JACKSON, Wyo. — This week marks the 45th anniversary of the historic structure fire at the Wort Hotel.

On Aug. 5, 1980, a column of smoke rose from the hotel on Broadway Ave. According to The Wort Hotel’s registration form for the National Register of Historic Places, the fire destroyed the roof and damaged much of the second floor.

Photo courtesy of The Wort Hotel.

A 2015 article by the Jackson Hole News & Guide stated that 10 firefighters and visitors were hospitalized for burns, cuts and smoke inhalation. One firefighter, 55-year-old Cecil Lynch, died of a heart attack while battling the flames.

Photo courtesy of The Wort Hotel.

According to a Wednesday Facebook post by The Wort Hotel observing the anniversary, it is believed that a bird’s nest sitting too close to a neon sign’s transformer sparked the fire. The Silver Dollar Bar on the first floor was not damaged by the fire, but the bar countertops were removed, cut into pieces and stored in the vault at the Jackson State Bank to protect the hundreds of 1921 Morgan silver dollar coins.

The Wort reopened in June 1981.

Photo courtesy of The Wort Hotel.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.