After the fire: Many stop by Wolf Lodge Steakhouse to offer encouragement

Tom and Yvonne Puth walked up to the burned ruins of the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse early Tuesday afternoon looking for Nicole and Shawn Martel. 

They wanted to hug the managers of the historic restaurant, but a cyclone fence set up around the property’s perimeter separated them. 

“I’m on the wrong side of the fence,” Yvonne Puth said to Nicole Martel. 

Still, they reached through the fence and crossed fingers together. Nicole Martel tried to fight back tears. 

Tom Puth looked at Shawn Martel, his face and head showing signs of the burns suffered as he tried stop the fire from spreading Monday. 

“Thank God you're all right, buddy,” Tom Puth said. 

Shawn Martel nodded. There was still pain but he was feeling better than the previous day when he was taken to Kootenai Health. 

“I need to get out of the sun now,” Shawn Martel said, wiping a cloth across his wounds. 

As the Puths turned to leave, they told the Martels to let them know how they could help.  

“Whatever you need,” Tom Puth said. 

“We’re thinking about you,” Yvonne Puth said. “Keep in touch. Keep in touch.” 

“Love you,” Nicole Martel said. 

When asked by another friend what could be done to help, Nicole Martel shook her head. 

“I need to take care of my staff,” she said. “They’re all devastated right now.’ 

How was she holding up? 

Nicole Martel, who has worked there nearly 28 years, paused as she tried to find the right words. 

“I raised my kids working here. My home away from home. Always has been,” she said. “I’m at a loss.” 

As word spread of the blaze that destroyed the beloved landmark 8 miles east of Coeur d’Alene, people stopped by to take a look and offer encouragement. 

A few passersby on Frontage Road and Interstate 90 honked horns. A bouquet of flowers was left at the base of the fireplace’s rock wall that was still standing. 

Inside the fence, investigators looked through remains of the building beloved by many not just for the steaks, but for the friendly atmosphere that made guests feel like they were home. 

Jason Blubaum, deputy state fire marshal, said they expected to wrap up their work Tuesday. 

“We've ruled out any criminal activity. It’s an accidental fire. Now we’re just looking for the specific cause," he said.

Nicole Martel told The Press on Monday the fire started in an exhaust hood. While the restaurant was closed, employees were arriving for a Labor Day picnic and food was being prepared in the kitchen. 

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Chris Way said when the first units arrived about 10 minutes after receiving the noon call, flames were burning from the back of the building, into the attic and through the roof.  

It spread rapidly. As more firefighters arrived, water was brought in by a convoy of fire tankers as there were no hydrants in the area but struggled to keep up with demand.

By 2 p.m., they had the fire contained.   

A small wildland fire started on a hillside to the east of the steakhouse. Crews from the Idaho Department of Lands dug a fire line that contained it. 

Way said it was an intense blaze, and three firefighters were treated onsite for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.  

On Tuesday, Jason Allen, manager of the Wolf Lodge campground just down Frontage Road, stopped by the restaurant. He said many of their guests were Wolf Lodge Steakhouse customers because the steaks had a reputation for being the best. 

“They stayed with us, and they came and ate here,” he said. “People come from all around to enjoy the restaurant."

Allen said he had three cancellations since the fire, but his primary concern was for those who called the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse home. 

“I just feel for the families and everyone that worked here,” he said. 

The Wolf Lodge Steakhouse has been a Coeur d'Alene landmark for decades. After serving as a convenience store since 1939, the location became popular as a tavern was added in the late 1970s and a steakhouse in early 1980s.

Tom and Lisa Engle bought the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse from relatives in 1993. Tom Engle, 68, died Nov. 7, 2021, at his Post Falls home.  

Tom Puth said when they visited the restaurant, Nicole would be at the door and Shawn was often behind the bar. 

“Nicole was like a mother to the staff,” Tom Puth said. “And Shawn was the greatest bartender. Not because he made strong drinks, but because he knew when to listen and when to inject the right words just to make you feel better.” 

Tom and Yvonne Puth, like many, said they hope the Wolf Lodge is rebuilt. 

“This is just an iconic part of Coeur d’Alene,” he said. “I know it’s not going to be the same but there are so many pictures you could piece it together. It touched so many people’s lives.” 

By Tuesday afternoon, three accounts for Wolf Lodge employees had been set up on Gofundme, raising about $9,000.

One of the organizers, Angela Navejas, wrote:

"We are devastated to share that the iconic Wolf Lodge Inn, a beloved treasure in Coeur d’Alene, has tragically burned down. For decades, Wolf Lodge Inn wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a gathering place filled with countless memories, laughter, and the warmest hospitality in our community. Losing this cherished landmark is a heartbreaking blow, not just to those who have dined there, but especially to the dedicated employees who are now without jobs.

Micheal Boe, who organized another account, wrote:

"Wolf Lodge district is where I grew up and I remember this place from when I was just the humble Wolf Lodge tavern. I know several people who do work and have work there over the years this is a devastating blow to our community but it's financially going to impact a lot of these workers lives. Let's get together and help these people out."

Joe Bordelon, commander with the Coeur d’Alene chapter of Disabled American Veterans, said they were at the Wolf Lodge on Sunday selling tickets for a fundraiser and then had dinner. He ordered the Cowboy, a 26-ounce cut of top sirloin. 

“It's enough for me and my wife. In fact, we’re going to go home and have Cowboy for dinner tonight,” he said Tuesday as he stood outside the fence. 

Bordelon said over the years they visited the steakhouse at least two dozen times, often bringing friends. He praised the Martels and their team, and expressed concern for what's ahead.

“We thought about them last night,” he said.  

Bordelon looked at the Martels through the fence.

“We're praying for you,” he said. 

    Investigators look through the remains of the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse on Tuesday.
  

    A bouquet of flowers rests at the rock wall of the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse on Tuesday.
  

    Traffic on Interstate 90 passes by the burned remains of the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse on Tuesday.