CASCADE, Mont. — Missouri River Bar and Grill, a historic restaurant and bar in Cascade, was destroyed in a fire Friday morning, the Cascade Farmer Rancher City Volunteer Fire Department said.
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“Yeah, it’s kind of a disappointment that it's another landmark in central Montana that’s now gone,” said Great Falls resident Steve Pascal.
“Absolutely shocked,” said Helena resident Leslie White. “Definitely for the community, especially the ones right across the road, it’s quite sad.”
According to officials, the fire started just after 4 a.m. Cascade Farmer Rancher City Volunteer Fire Department was first on scene around 4:45 a.m., getting to work right away to limit the damage.
“The first effort was trying to actually save the structure,” said Chief Eric Tilleman. “We did that for about 20 to 30 minutes before we realized it had already went up into the attic.”
Seeing that it would soon be a total loss, crews shifted to protect nearby trees and structures and stop a spread.
By around 5:30 a.m., the whole structure was engulfed in flames. Six people were inside, with everyone making it out safely, though two are being monitored for smoke inhalation.
The building, dating back to the 1960s, had become a well-known stop for locals and travelers alike.
“Came out here in the middle-early 60’s with my dad,” Pascal said. “We’d go fishing and we’d stop here and have something to eat. My dad passed away about 10 years ago, and it's got memories of my dad and us together.”
Other responding agencies include Dearborn Volunteer Fire, Ulm Volunteer Fire, the Montana Air National Guard, Wolf Creek Volunteer Fire, Craig Volunteer Fire, and Great Falls Airport Firefighters.
Crews continued pouring water into the foundation to put out remaining flames still lingering hours later.
Owner Schuyler Mieyr told MTN her family lived in the building after taking over the business in 2021, meaning they lost both their restaurant and their home.
In a Facebook post, the family thanked fire crews and the community for their support, while also asking for help finding a missing schnauzer pup they hope escaped the fire.
“I just want to say thank you to the fire departments and volunteers for their fast response and help! and to the community for everyone’s outpouring support. Hayley and Carolyn are being monitored for smoke inhalation overnight but will be ok. And the rest of us are all safe and well. We are missing a dark-haired schnauzer pup, and hope he made it out and just ran if anyone finds him… needless to say we are devastated and overwhelmed. Unfortunately the iconic building is gone, but we will try to keep everyone updated on what happens moving forward. Thank you all for your support.”
“Heartfelt sadness and prayers for them,” White said. “I hope they’re able to recoup and rebuild and rely on the surrounding communities for any help they might need.”
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but at this point in time, officials believe it to be an accident. They will continue their investigation and MTN will provide updates as they come in.
(original story) Missouri River Bar and Grill, a historic restaurant and bar in Cascade, was destroyed in a fire Friday morning, the Cascade Farmer Rancher City Volunteer Fire Department said.
The department said that the fire was contained to the restaurant, which is located off the Hardy exit across from Prewitt Creek Boat Launch. The Great Falls Airport Firefighters also responded to the fire, sending two firefighters and a 4,000-gallon water tender to help supply water to the area that does not have fire hydrants.
The fire's threat has been downgraded, but the Cascade Volunteer Fire Department is asking people to avoid the area while crews continue working.
Resident Terrie Steiner sent us a video of the flames and smoke, which could be seen from far away. Steiner's video captured the burning remnants of the restaurant, which had completely burned to the ground.
WATCH: Here's a look at the fire that destroyed the historic restaurant
Neither Cascade nor Great Falls Airport fire officials said what caused the restaurant to go up in flames. They also did not specify if anyone was injured.
This is a developing story. We will update when more information is available.
