NEW GLARUS - Several fire departments were called out Friday night around 7:30 p.m. to Puempel's Olde Tavern after an electrical fire caused moderate damage to the building.
Part of Highway 39 was shut down during the blaze.
Puempel's owner Chuck Bigler said he smelled smoke about an hour before he realized fire was coming from the ceiling fan in the men's bathroom.
Bigler believes electrical issues were the cause of the fire, and the men's bathroom is "completely destroyed." About 10 patrons in the bar were evacuated safely.
The bar will close for the weekend for the first time in the 25 years Bigler has owned the establishment.
"If this had happened two weeks ago it would have been really unlucky," Bigler said, in reference to the New Glarus Oktoberfest.
Puempel's Olde Tavern was established in 1893 and has had only three owners.
Part of Highway 39 was shut down during the blaze.
Puempel's owner Chuck Bigler said he smelled smoke about an hour before he realized fire was coming from the ceiling fan in the men's bathroom.
Bigler believes electrical issues were the cause of the fire, and the men's bathroom is "completely destroyed." About 10 patrons in the bar were evacuated safely.
The bar will close for the weekend for the first time in the 25 years Bigler has owned the establishment.
"If this had happened two weeks ago it would have been really unlucky," Bigler said, in reference to the New Glarus Oktoberfest.
Puempel's Olde Tavern was established in 1893 and has had only three owners.