On Friday, August 10 at about 5:56 a.m. the Barton County Sheriff’s Office along with the Claflin Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 884 Northeast 110 Avenue. The location is the Camp Aldrich recreation area owned by Barton Community College. The small hunting lodge, Trail’s End Lodge, caught fire.

The fire was brought under control and sheriff’s detectives began an investigation. There were no injuries. The camp was not in use at the time.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified and their investigator arrived shortly after 8:00 a.m. As of late Friday morning investigators were still on the scene. The Camp Ranger noticed the flames when he stepped outside to start his day at about 5 a.m.

Preliminary investigation indicates electrical problems may be a contributing factor. The initial estimate of loss is placed at $165,000.

View more photos and video of the fire here.