Fire consumes three businesses in Noxon

Three businesses in a rural Sanders County town were destroyed in an early morning fire Tuesday, Feb. 27.

The Mercantile and Café, Angry Beaver General Store and Toby’s Tavern in Noxon burned in the fire that was first reported a 5:42 a.m. Officials suspected the fire started in the Angry Beaver and spread to the other stores.

Fire departments from Noxon, with mutual aid provided by Trout Creek and Heron fire departments, battled the fire in the small town’s main business district.

A state fire marshal was on the scene Tuesday to assist in the investigation. The cause of the fire had not been determined.

The Angry Beaver was completely consumed by the blaze, with only the floor visible. 

Toby’s Tavern, which has been in business since 1967, had a small section of the back of the building still standing. The tavern was noted for its large collection of silver dollar coins. 

The Mercantile and Café saw extensive interior and exterior damage, as well.

Each building was considered a total loss.

“We can’t thank all the firefighters enough,” the Mercantile and Cafe posted on its Facebook page. “They all did what they could and worked super hard!”

Located off Montana 200 northwest of Thompson Falls, Noxon has a population of less than 200.

    Firefighters respond to a fire at the Mercantile and Cafe, Angry Beaver and Toby's Tavern in Noxon on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)