A fire at a popular resort in Lutsen this morning destroyed a 15- unit complex, but no one was hurt.

It's a place many are familiar with year-'round.

But the scene at Eagle Ridge Resort at Lutsen Mountains Tuesday morning was anything but pleasant.

Just after seven a-m reports indicated a structure fire at one of the resort's 11 buildings.

When Fred Schmidt, captain of the Lutsen Township Fire Department arrived, it was obvious the buildings all had metal roofs, "they were all glowing and the smoke and flame were coming up through the roof already by the time we got here."

Two guests staying in the unit were immediately evacuated with no injuries.

The fire was initially contained to the 3-level "Building B" that housed 15 of the resort's units.

"Because it's been so windy up here, we were concerned about it catching the two units on either side of them," says Schmidt.

The fire did jump to the adjacent complex and caused some minor damage.

It also produced some small spot fires in surrounding woods, which were quickly extinguished.

Access to water made defending the structure difficult, "we needed more tankers and more water, but it's hard to get that up here all the time."

Captain Fred Schmidt says they ended up connecting to a snowmaking pipe for water access and used foam to extinguish the flames.

Despite a quick response from seven area departments utilizing nearly 75 firefighters, the building was a total loss.

Resort co-owner Tom Rider says the complex is worth at least a half a million dollars, but it was insured.

Because it's the off season, he's confident the business will get through the damage and remain open, "It's very popular.

This is the hub of the businesses around this area. It's all ski hill," affirmed Schmidt.

The incident commander says at this point there is no reason to suspect arson.