Little Shuswap Lake Band pledges to rebuild Quaaout Lodge after devastating fire

CHASE, B.C. — Calling it a “traumatic incident,” the chief of the Little Shuswap Lake Band (LSLB) says the cause of a fire that destroyed the guest wing of the Quaaout Lodge near Chase is not yet known.

But Kukpi7 James Tomma says the facility, first opened in 1991, will be rebuilt.

In a news release, Tomma says he is thankful no one was seriously injured or killed when fire broke out at the resort Sunday (May 22). He thanks the responding firefighters from Chase and the Skwlax volunteer department, calling their efforts “heroic.” Tomma also thanks the Quaaout Lodge staff who ensured guests were brought out of harm’s way.

Investigators are trying to determine what caused the fire and Tomma says until a definitive cause is known, he will refrain from speculation. The resort will be closed during the investigation. Guests and staff are being accommodated by a variety of support service agencies.

In announcing the quick decision to rebuild, Tomma calls the lodge “an engine of economic development, but also the cultural heart of the community.”

“Quaaout means, ‘When the sun’s rays first touch the water,’ and there will be a new dawn for the lodge and for our community,” said Tomma.