Fire Destroys Historic 'Paul's Resort' in Sonoma Valley

Update 12:37 p.m: The Sheriff's Bomb Squad has determined that the item referred to earlier as a "possible explosive device" was an anti-tank round, according to Gary Johnson, engineer/paramedic with Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue. The owner had been storing a friend's collectibles in the structure. Investigators are on scene assessing the building to determine the cause of the fire.

Original story:

Flames took down an icon in Sonoma Valley early Thursday morning.

A turn of the century structure known as Paul's Resort has been destroyed on West Verrano Avenue, across from Maxwell Farms Regional Park.

Flames erupted at about 2:30 a.m., Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue told Patch.

The bomb squad has been called because a possible explosive device has been found in part of the building, said Division Chief Spencer Andreis.

Paul's Resort has been used over the years as a dance club, restaurant and train station, Andreis said. He said it was believed to have been built in 1908.

The buildings contained antiques and other stored items at the time of the fire, Andreis said. No one was present in the building.

Firefighters from Schell-Vista and Glen Ellen also responded.

The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

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