Priest River businesses destroyed by fire

PRIEST RIVER - A popular bar was destroyed by fire early Friday morning in downtown Priest River. Popeye's Bar and an adjoining vacant barber shop and restaurant was completely gutted in the early morning hours on.

According to West Pend Oreille Fire Chief Les Kokanos, the 103-year-old building was a total loss.

"We received the call just after midnight by a deputy that noticed the fire," Kokanos said Friday morning. "It appeared to be caused by an electrical problem at the back of the building. We are still investigating."

Priest River Police Chief Ray Roberts stated that Popeye's closed around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night.

Kokanos noted that he had more than 20 volunteers respond as well as Westside fire department with their ladder truck and a truck and several firefighters from Newport.

Main and High streets were closed on Friday while crews were making sure hot spots were out.