A fire at R&T’s Dinky Diner Tuesday night left the restaurant a total loss, according to Rhinelander Fire Chief Brian Tonnancour. Bob Mainhardt photo.

By Eileen Persike, Editor

RHINELANDER – A fire last night at R&T’s Dinky diner in Rhinelander left the restaurant a total loss, according to Rhinelander Fire Department Chief Brian Tonnancour. The fire department responded to the scene shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday and reported heavy smoke coming from the rear of the building.

“Rhinelander Fire Department was able to initiate an aggressive fire attack to stop the extension of the fire into neighboring occupancies,” Tonnancour stated in a release to the press.

The restaurant, located on Thayer Street, was closed at the time of the fire and there were no reports of injuries. All occupants of the adjacent apartments were evacuated and account for; six residents have been temporarily displaced due to power and gas being turned off. The Salvation Army is assisting them with temporary shelter.

In addition to Rhinelander Fire Department, Pine Lake Fire Rescue, Pelican Fire and Rescue, Oneida County EMS, the Rhinelander Police Department and Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene.

The investigation remains under investigation.