Fire Destroys Caddo Landmark

It has hosted thousands of anniversaries and birthdays over the decades, but now the Big Pines Lodge is a total loss from fire. The popular restaurant is on Caddo Lake, just north of Karnack in Harrison County.

Investigators say a fire broke out just after 6:00 Saturday night. Fire crews rushed to the Big Pines Lodge after smoke was seen in the upper level of the building. Customers were quickly escorted out and there were no injuries, but the building is a total loss. For many east Texans, a lot of memories went up in the flames.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation. Employees say the restaurant was insured, and owners do plan to rebuild.
By Bob Hallmark, KLTV News, Tyler Longview Jacksonville