LUTSEN, Minn. – The frame and timber Lutsen Lodge had fire code violations in an inspection last summer, State Fire Marshal Daniel Krier said. The lodge was destroyed by fire overnight Monday. The 170-room lodge was vacant on a slow winter night. Kreir said tyatthebseven violations found in July involved the sprinkler system, fire alarm system, fire exit signs and smoke alarms. Four of the seven violations were repaired but follow-up visits had not yet been completed, Krier said. Edward Vanegas, the lodge manager, told Minneapolis television KARE that the violations all had been resolved. By law, hotels are inspected for fire safety every third year.

Earlier: Fire levels Lutsen Resort on North Shore

Verbatim

Steve Duclos, Lutsen fire chief: “We’ve known for several years if Lutsen ever caught on fire that it was going to be hot and it was going to be fast. That’s exactly what it was. At least 95% of the building was wood.”

Fire status

Lutsen Lodge was built 1952 after fire destroyed an earlier lodge. Building codes have changed in the intervening 70 years, requiring periodic updates to comply.