STURGIS, S.D. – Numerous fire agencies were called in to battle a massive fire at the Full Throttle Saloon east of Sturgis overnight Monday.
The call came in just after midnight, and crews first on the seen could see smoke coming from the roof of the main structure. Soon, the entire facility was engulfed in flames, which spread to nearby structures.
Heavy smoke rose into the early morning air as fire crews raced back and forth bringing water and supplies. The lack of water on the bar grounds prompted fire officials to call in tenders, which then had to go back and reload.
A call came out from those in charge to keep people out of the burning structure. Rather, fire crews worked to “surround and drown,” or fight the fire from outside by surrounding it.
Fire crews had to temporarily close Highway 34 in front of the structure because of the dangerous conditions.
Fire crews from Piedmont, Vale, Whitewood, Sturgis and Fort Meade were among the agencies called in to fight the blaze. They remain on scene this morning as the rubble continues to smolder.
The Full Throttle Saloon is owned by Michael Ballard, and his rally-week life running the establishment is the plot for a television show which filmed once again this year.
Sad..this place was a great place to hang out and get shit faced. Obviously, the place surely pissed some piece of shit off. Really too bad, as we can only hope the place will rebuild into another awesome destination spot that hundreds of thousands loved. ME INCLUDED!
You talk commie shit in this place, and you get free brain surgery. Even the girls would beat the hell out of ya!
I agree Mark, I went to Sturgis in 05. Have some great pics. and fond memories. So sad. Michael also has his own moonshine named after Full Throttle Sloonshine. I had to get a bottle when I seen it at my local liquor store here in Kansas. Never opened it kinda a keepsake. Dang this sucks, hope they can rebuild.
Drag
Been to Sturgis many times , many a drink and fond times here , sad to see this.
wonder how much the grounds around it got burned out too?
rebuilding it has to be done, although it wont be the same