Fire damages bandshell in Smokey Bear Park in International Falls

The bandshell at Smokey Bear Park in Internationals Falls was heavily damaged by fire on Sunday afternoon. The International Falls Fire Department is asking the public to stay clear of the area because the building sustained heavy structural damage and the cause remains under investigation.

Firefighters were called to the scene of a fire at the bandshell structure at 214 6th Avenue at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. When crews arrived they found heavy smoke coming from many areas of the building and the structure was fully engulfed.

According to a report from Chief Adam Mannausau, the structure was wood framed throughout, with stucco covering the outside walls and a rubber flat roof. The shell portion was wood-framed with a metal roof.

Firefighters worked for five hours putting out the flames and the fire did heavy structural damage to the building.

The cause of the fire is under investigation although the initial report suggests the fire to be “incendiary in nature.” Officials continue to investigate with the help of the International Falls Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal.