Warming shelter near Mount St. Helens burns

Published 9:54 pm Monday, April 11, 2011

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Fire has destroyed a popular warming shelter near Mount St. Helens.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest spokesman Chris Strebig told The Columbian newspaper that the shelter at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park has been heavily used by those enjoying winter sports on the south side of the southwest Washington peak.

Built about 20 years ago, the log structure with a large wood stove was popular with snowshoers and snowmobilers.

The cause of the fire early Saturday is under investigation.