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Fire Guts County Annex
Source: The Steamboat Pilot
May 4, 1961
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A fire early this morning swept through the Routt County Annex building destroying all but the outer walls.
The fire was believed to have started about 3:30 a.m. in the back part of the Elk River candle factory, Chief Ross Kelly said. At press time flames and smoke were still pouring from the building due to the second story roof burning.
County Commissioner Andrew McDermott said the building was insured for $39,000 and that there was some insurance on the contents.
The County has three offices located in the annex, the County Welfare, County Nurse and County Agent. The State has a tax office, forest office and water office.
Also located in the building is the Federal ASC office. The only private business located in the building was the Elk River Candle company. Jim Ball owner, said he had some insurance to cover damage to the inventory.
Fire and smoke damaged two county trucks that were parked in the rear of the building. A large loader and digger was taken out before any damage was done. One truck, a fire truck and tractor could not be removed.
The fire was discovered when the phone of the Elk River Candle company was disconnected, and the operator called the night policeman Larry Vanatta to investigate.
The building was originally built by Archie and George Wither in 1907 as a general merchandise store. In the 1930's the county purchased the building and it has been used as an office building since then.
The volunteer fire department along with numerous others were still pouring water into the building to try to put out the fire between floors.
The county offices that were in the building will be relocated for the time being in other office space.
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