A devastating fire destroyed an historic Selma eatery Monday that at one time was a favorite of John Wayne.
The Illinois Fire District responded to a commercial fire at 8:52 a.m. and found the Smoking Duck nearly fully involved in flames. There were two apartments in the rear of the restaurant, one occupied. The occupant was able to escape with his cats.
The fire was knocked down at approximately 11 a.m. with cleanup continuing through 3:45. The Illinois Valley Fire District was assisted by Rural Metro, Oregon Department of Forestry, Grants Pass Fire, AMR, and P.P. & L. The Oregon Department of Transportation provided traffic control. Gasquet Fire moved an engine and crew to the Illinois Valley station to provide coverage for the valley.
The old building housed several different restaurants over the years and at one time, John Wayne, while visiting a friend’s ranch in the valley, was a regular customer.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
