HARTWELL – State and local investigators are continuing to probe the cause of a pre-dawn fire that destroyed WillaDean’s Tavern on Reed Creek Highway in Hartwell Tuesday morning.
Firefighters were called to the lakeside restaurant shortly after 5 a.m. and remained on the scene throughout the day.
The building, which backs up to Lake Hartwell, formerly was known at different times as Racks, The Swamp Bar, and The Swamp Guinea.
State fire investigators are assisting Hartwell Fire Department with the investigation.
Crews and investigators remain on scene at WillaDean's Tavern on Reed Creek Highway Tuesday afternoon.
WillaDean's Tavern in Hartwell, former home of The Swamp Guinea and a couple of other restaurants, is a total loss after a pre-dawn fire Tuesday.
The roof structure on WillaDean's Tavern in Hartwell has collapsed as a result of Tuesday morning's fire.
WillaDean's Tavern on Reed Creek Highway in Hartwell is a total loss after Tuesday morning's fire.
State Fire Investigator Brian Smith and Hartwell Fire Chief Alan Daniel survey the scene of Tuesday's fire at WillaDean's Tavern in Hartwell.
Hartwell Fire Department personnel continue their work Tuesday afternoon.
WillaDean's Tavern on Reed Creek Highway is destroyed after an early-morning fire Tuesday.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/10/1136579/fire-destroys-landmark-lake-hartwell-eatery