Lake House Tavern Fire Still Under Investigation

Still no word on the cause of the fire that destroyed a popular lakeside restaurant over Labor Day weekend.

Hart County Fire Chief Jerry Byrum requested an investigator from the State Fire Marshal’s office inspect the ruins of The Lake House Tavern on Rock Springs Road as a routine measure.

Brandon Wright with the State Fire Marshal’s office told WLHR News Monday that the fire is still under investigation.

“Fire inspectors took samples from the scene and sent them for evaluation,” Wright said Monday. “But it will be at least a week before we have any results.”

Wright said so far, no determination as to whether the fire was started intentionally.

The blaze broke out started the morning of Saturday, August 31st.  No one was at the restaurant when the fire started and there were no reported injuries.

David Rudolph who lives directly across from the restaurant told  WLHR News his wife saw the about 9:30a that morning and said it appeared it started on the back patio.

Hart County Administrator and EMS Director Terrell Partain said by the time firefighters arrived the building was engulfed in flames.

Tammy and Maria Tillinghast purchased the property from the Barnes in 2016.

Last year, they leased it to Brian Highsmith who opened The LakeHouse Tavern in November 2018.

The restaurant quickly became a popular eatery and gathering place for locals, featuring American food and entertainment.