CASSOPOLIS — Authorities are looking for the cause of a blaze that destroyed part of a remote Volinia Township camp lodge early Saturday.

The fire at Camp Manitou, on McKenzie Street about six miles southwest of Marcellus on Little Fish Lake, had been burning for some time before anyone noticed it about 2 a.m.

"It was observed by somebody more than half a mile away," said Frank Butts, Wayne Township Fire Department's assistant chief. "There was a lot of fire before it was ever detected."

Firefighters had difficulty reaching the rural campgrounds because of icy road conditions.

By the time they arrived, the kitchen and dining area of the lodge was engulfed, the steel arches supporting the roof had collapsed and flames had spread to an attached dormitory, he said.

No one was staying at the camp, Butts said, but it had been used the day before for a funeral dinner.

About 30,000 gallons of water were used to put out the fire.

The camp is owned by the Community of Christ, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.