DNR closes Cataract Falls SRA due to fire at gatehouse
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area was closed Sunday after a fire damaged the facility's gatehouse during the early morning hours.
"The cause (of the fire) is under investigation," Indiana State Parks said in a Facebook post.
Cataract Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the gatehouse shortly before 5:30 a.m. Sunday, according to the department's Facebook page.
"Upon arrival we found a fully involved wooden structure at the main gate," CVFD said in the post.
Important Note Sunday 6/26/22: Cataract Falls SRA, a part of Cagles Mill Lake near Cloverdale, is CLOSED today. Thanks for finding a different location to visit. Lieber SRA, the property's other large recreation area, is open as usual. Visit https://t.co/qWe4kAGXTT.
— IN State Parks (@INDNRstateparks) June 26, 2022
Cataract Falls SRA is located in northern Owen County — about 15 miles north of Spencer.
The SRA is part of the the Cagles Mill Lake property, which includes Lieber State Recreation Area.
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Indiana State Parks suggests those who were looking to recreate at Cataract Falls can visit Lieber SRA, 1317 W Lieber Rd, Cloverdale, Ind.
Another nearby property operated by Indiana State Parks that offers recreation opportunities is McCormick's Creek State Park located at 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer, Ind.
Minor amounts of smoke could still be seen coming from the structure around 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
"We are checking to see when investigators might return that location back over to DNR to clean up and prepare for guests to enter," Indiana Department of Natural Resources Assistant Director for the Division of Communications Marty Benson said in an email to the Spencer Evening World Monday morning. "Once we get clearance, we will require some heavy equipment and dumpsters to remove the remaining portion of the building to provide a clear and safe access into the property."
In a Facebook post Monday afternoon, the property announced that Cataract Falls SRA would remain closed to the public this week.
"Investigations as to a cause are still underway. Please do not park on the county road or in private driveways to walk in," the property noted on Facebook. "This is the only entrance and we are working to open the park as soon as possible."
Cataract Falls SRA will be closed to the public this week as we work to remove the gate house that was lost to a structure fire. Visit nearby Lieber SRA or McCormick's Creek State Park. https://t.co/ayY3FJxjUL
— Indiana DNR (@INdnrnews) June 27, 2022
Assisting agencies in the Sunday-morning fire included the Poland Fire Protection Territory, Owen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana State Fire Marshals Office
Contact Reporter-Times, Times-Mail and Spencer Evening World editor Lance Gideon at lgideon@reporter-times.com or 765-342-1543. Follow him on Twitter: @LanceOGideon.
This article originally appeared on Evening World: Cataract Falls State Recreation Area closes Sunday after gatehouse fire
