MONROE — Given its storied history and labyrinth construction over more than a century, a fire on the square is the nightmare scenario fire officials here most dread.

But on Thursday morning, that’s the call they got, at about 10:37 a.m. on the square’s east side; with heavy, gray smoke coming mostly from the rear of Bartels & Co. Tap, 1012 17th Avenue. A fire on the contiguous row of 19th century buildings downtown can easily spread, so crews wasted no time in putting it out and calling in reinforcements.

But despite “rock star” performance from first-responders on scene, the blaze damaged several structures and left a number of downtown residents homeless.

“We’re probably a little more aggressive” fighting fire on the square, said Monroe Fire Chief Al Rufer, who addressed reporters Thursday afternoon as the fire was finally out, hot spots checked; and residents evacuated. “It (the square) is vital to Monroe.”

No one was injured in the blaze, which drew mutual response from a number of area departments including from as far away as Waukesha, Dane County and across state lines in Freeport. But the entire east side of the square across from the courthouse remained shuttered, including not only the apartments but a sporting goods store, retail shops and a busy pharmacy.

One woman watching the press gaggle and fire scene said she didn’t know how or when she’d be able to get her prescription, but Rufer noted that all narcotic and other sensitive medications had been secured early in the fire call.

The chief said the fire’s origin, and the extent of the damage directly to at least two or three buildings, would keep the area closed until at least Thursday evening. An official from the state fire marshal’s office was in route to help with the investigation, even as the chief spoke on the square, which had been partially opened to additional car and foot traffic by about 2:30 p.m.

However, the Red Cross was also on scene, according to Rufer, and would help an unknown number of apartment dwellers from the upper units find another place to stay for the night — and possibly longer. Many of those details had yet to be worked out, in advance of a command staff meeting on the incident planned for 4 p.m. Thursday.

“At this time, the fire remains under investigation,” Rufer said afterwards, late Thursday evening. “Property owners and tenants are scheduled to be allowed back into the affected properties beginning at 8 a.m. (May 15). “We are thankful to report that no injuries occurred during this incident. Today’s downtown Monroe fire was a tremendous multi-agency effort, and we would like to sincerely thank all assisting fire departments, dispatchers, EMS, law enforcement, utilities, public works, and our many public safety partners for their professionalism and support throughout the incident.”

Rufer especially praised his crews, and the choreographed response from the many area departments for his success in controlling the fire and preventing injuries and additional property loss.

“I don’t know yet how many responded but I can tell you it’s a lot,” he said of the regional turnout, which he characterized as the largest he’d seen in 15 years on the department. “We have a diverse group, from a lot of different areas,” to minimize the manpower and resources impact on any one of the other departments.

Rufer also praised the work of Monroe police on scene as was vital to controlling traffic and staging the many large emergency vehicles in a dense, urban area.

“It really was a team effort,” he said.

The fire reached the fifth alarm mutual aid box level. Like hockey teams changing lines, different departments would take their turn fighting the fire and entering the buildings. Responding departments included Monroe Fire Department, Monroe Police, Monroe Rural Fire District, Monticello Fire, Browntown Fire, New Glarus Fire, Brodhead Fire, Albany Fire, Darlington Fire, Belleville Fire, Argyle EMS, Green County EMS, and Green County Emergency Management. Other responding crews came from Evansville, Lena (Ill.), Mount Horeb, Verona, Oregon, Fitchburg, Lakeside (Edgerton), Janesville, Cottage Grove, Monona, Town of Beloit, Freeport, Dodgeville, Mineral Point, Stoughton, Barneveld and Fort Atkinson.

Community mourns, but bands together

Bartels & Co. Tap, owned by Jim and Rhonda Bartels, as well as Sunrise Cafe next door, received widespread support, thoughts, prayers and well wishes from surrounding neighbor businesses, community leaders, friends, families and longtime establishment patrons.

“We had the most heartbreaking day downtown when a fire broke out this morning on the East Side of the square,” owner Terra Junk of 213 Mercantile on the square shared in a social media post Thursday evening. “Our thoughts and prayers are most definitely with both the Bartels Family of Bartels Tap and the Visel Family of Sunrise Donut Cafe. Both amazing businesses and just great people.”

Junk said that fire is “such a scary thing when you have a layout like our beautiful square,” and is “definitely a huge fear of all businesses and residents downtown.” She said the quick response by fire departments far and wide “was just amazing to see.”

“Thankfully there were no human or pet injuries, but what a devastating day nonetheless,” Junk said, adding that when she hears any info for how to help the businesses and residents from the upper level apartments, she’ll be sharing that information on her social media channels as well. “Monroe is such a wonderful community, I’m confident we’ll all show up for them as well. Please keep everyone affected today in your prayers.”

Main Street Monroe executive director Jordan Nordby said that there was a feeling of gratefulness due to the fact that no one was injured, but hearts were understandably heavy around the downtown area.

“While we are thankful for the safety of our community, we are deeply saddened by the damage and loss experienced by our friends, neighbors, and business owners,” Nordby said on Main Street Monroe digital channels. “Monroe is built on community, and we will stand strong. We will be sticking to the reason we exist, which is to support our downtown and everyone a part of it. Please keep those impacted in your thoughts and prayers.”

Monroe Rural Fire District (MRFD) administration gave a heartfelt thank you on the organization’s Facebook page to Mike and Kelly Bartels for donating 12 cases of water to the station after the fire call. MRFD also thanked Buggyworks for feeding fire crews. “It’s heart warming to see a community come together during such a tragic experience. Our hearts go out to the businesses and families who experienced loss during today’s fire.”

Buggyworks Public House, which sits across the alley behind Bartels along 18th Avenue, closed for the day to the public, but took care of the emergency workers while pledging to “do anything we can to help them rebuild.”

“We also extend a special thank you to the businesses and community members who provided food, water, and other assistance to crews operating on scene for several hours. Your support was greatly appreciated,” Rufer said.

Stefani Butts, office manager at Monroe Arts Center, praised the community’s quick response, while also reminiscing fondly of the businesses affected.

“Bartels is always there for a good night out, and Sunrise Donut Café is perfect for the next morning. One of their raspberry white chocolate mochas is enough to kickstart anyone back to business, and I’ll die on that hill,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to see our community showing up before the fire had even been put out. Multiple businesses and private residences have been affected, and the grief that comes with that is heavy. They’re not just buildings; they’re people’s lives. I am so proud of all the good humans in our area today. We’re at our strongest when we’re standing together.”