Misplaced owners’ manuals for a new water heater are to blame for a small fire that caused guests to be evacuated from Ephraim Shores Resort on Thursday.

Ephraim Fire Chief Justin MacDonald responded to the fire just before 8:30 a.m. after receiving a call about smoke in the building. He discovered smoke in the pool area and mechanical rooms before finding the owners’ manuals near the recently installed water heater. They were close to the heat source and in an area that was difficult to locate.

Thanks to a nearby garden hose, the fire was extinguished with approximately 2 gallons of water. The scene was cleared by 9:45 a.m., and there were no injuries or damage.

The Door County Sheriff’s Office, Door County EMS and fire departments from Sister Bay/Liberty Grove, Baileys Harbor, Jacksonport and Gibraltar also responded.

MacDonald thanked the staff at Ephraim Shores Resort for assisting guests during the incident. He also used the incident as a reminder to use the closest exit during an emergency and remain outside until hotel staff or firefighters say it is safe to re-enter the building.