More than $15,000 Raised for Employees of Maplelag After Devastating Fire

Photo via firefighter Christian Smith

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – More than $15,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe for Maplelag Resort after a devastating fire last week.

The main building at Maplelag was a total loss after fire ripped through the building, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. It was the second time in 23 years that fire had burned the lodge. In December 1999, the resort’s main building was destroyed by a late night fire.

A number of local residents and vacationers have now raised more than $15,000 to support a rebuild effort, however the Richards who own the resort plan to use the funds to help employees and firefighters. “We are deeply touched by all the donations and words cannot express our appreciation. We have decided to use a portion of the funds to disperse among our employees who have lost their jobs and part of their livelihoods. We will also use the funds to host a dinner for all of the firefighters and emergency personnel that assisted during the disaster,” said the Richards.

The Richards family plans to rebuild the resort as they did in 1999. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.