Fire claims Oneida Village Inn; Three Lakes landmark a total loss

By Ken Krall, WXPR and Eileen Persike, Star Journal

The second major fire in a month has destroyed a Three Lakes landmark. WJFW-TV reports a worker smelled smoke last evening and visitors in rooms also reported flames at the Oneida Village Inn.

Fire Chief Dave Kirby reported everyone got out of the building safely. Firefighters battled the flames in subzero cold. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The building is said to be a total loss.

On February 13, the community also lost the 3 Lakes Diner to fire.

Precautions taken following response to fire at Oneida Village Inn

The Three Lakes Sanitary District is under a boil water advisory due to a back flow issue that occurred because of a fire response. There is a possibility of bacteria in the water system. Three Lakes is taking precautionary measures of sampling the system for bacteria.

Bacteria may be found when drinking water is tested. Bacteria lives naturally in soil and in the waste of warm-blooded animals. Bacteria can also grow as a film in water pipes.  Most bacteria are not harmful, but do indicate the possible presence of other disease-causing microbes (viruses, harmful bacteria and parasites) that are often found in soil and feces.

Health effects associated with bacteria in water

Although bacteria is not usually harmful, illness may be caused by other microbes in the water. Typical symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea or jaundice with headaches or fatigue. Please note that these symptoms may be caused by factors other than unsafe water. If you become ill with the above symptoms during a boil water notice, you should talk to your doctor.

 SAFE water must be used until you get the “ALL CLEAR”

Examples of safe water include:

• Commercially bottled water
• Packaged ice from an approved source is safe
• Water that has been at a rolling boil for 1 minute (CDC-Centers for Disease Control)

• A public water system that is in compliance. Please note that the container that is being used to transport the water must be cleaned or sanitized before filling it with water in order to keep the water safe to drink
• Water from a private well that has tested safe by a homeowner

Use only SAFE water for the following purposes:

• Drinking, cooking, making baby formula, coffee, juices, other beverages or ice
• Watering pets
• Washing ready to eat fruits and vegetables
• Bathing infants, washing open wounds, or brushing teeth
• Rinsing dishes (or you may add 1 Tablespoon of bleach to 2 gallons of tap water)

DO NOT use ice cubes from your freezer or any beverages that were made with water.

While under the advisory, you may use your current water for the following:

• Bathing (except infants), showering, washing hands and washing dishes
• Washing dishes in automatic dishwashers that uses a heating element to dry dishes
• Washing cars and watering lawns

Please Note: Elderly people, small children (including infants), and individuals who have poor immune systems due to illness should be very careful to follow all health and safety warnings during a boil water/bottled water notice. If you or anyone you help care for has a poor immune system, consult with your doctor for additional advice.