The Ore House restaurant caught fire early Tuesday in downtown Durango, causing extensive damage to the kitchen area and likely putting the restaurant out of commission for several weeks.

The fire was reported at 5:28 a.m. when someone called 911 to report smoke coming from a nearby building. Upon arrival, firefighters realized the smoke was coming from the roof of the Ore House and made an interior attack, said Michael Krupa, deputy fire chief-operations with the Durango Fire Protection District.

Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze, he said.

The east 100 block of College Drive was closed during the morning commute while firefighters worked the blaze.

After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters noticed smoke still coming from the roofline near the front facade. They cut about three holes in the ceiling to look for active fire. But they determined it was only lingering smoke and no flames extended to the ceiling, Krupa said.

The Ore House, located at 147 College Drive, is a steak and seafood restaurant established in 1972. It is known for its extensive list of libations, including wines, whiskeys and cocktails.

Owner Ryan Lowe was still processing the extent of the damage Tuesday afternoon. He has no idea when the restaurant might reopen.

“We don’t know the extent of the damage and how much it’s going to cost and how much work and time it’s going to take,” he said.

The restaurant employs 20 people, including its management staff. One of Lowe’s top priorities is taking care of them, he said.

“We’re going to pay our staff for as long as we absolutely can in the hopes of reopening … because this restaurant is nothing without our staff,” he said.

He took steps Tuesday to preserve artwork in the business.

“The artwork, right now, what we’re seeing is it's just smoke-damaged, but we think it’s all salvageable and cleanable,” Lowe said. “ … We’re doing the best we can to salvage the things that are irreplaceable in the business, and one of them is the artwork.”

Lowe recommended residents keep an eye on the Ore House’s website for updates about the rebuild effort.

“We’re kind of still in shock,” he said.

Flames did not extend to any other nearby businesses, but smoke entered the Wild Horse Saloon, which is next door to the Ore House.

The fire was listed as under control shortly before 7 a.m. The east 100 block of College Drive remained closed until about 9 a.m.

Twenty-seven firefighters responded with a tower truck three engines, two medic vehicles and other equipment.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

shane@durangoherald.com