NEW GLARUS - Firefighters and a property owner late Sunday were still contemplating the devastation wrought by a fast-moving bar fire in downtown New Glarus just after midnight - a blaze that completely destroyed Kleeman's Bar and Grill and the family apartment above it.
Having battled the early Sunday morning fire for nearly 12 hours, the building, 115 5th Ave. NW, was finally razed by by crews working Sunday afternoon, said New Glarus Fire Chief David Anderson.
He said that action was necessary because the unsteady structure remained a public safety hazard.
No one was seriously injured in the fire, though customers were in the bar when it was reportedly discovered in an upstairs room by owner Greg Kleeman, the chief said,
Kleeman briefly tried extinguishing the gathering blaze before running downstairs to clear the bar of patrons and call authorities for help
Kleeman lived upstairs with his wife and and their three children, but the rest of the family were staying with a relative when the blaze began, he said.
Attempts to reach Kleeman for comment were unsuccessful Sunday.
Firefighters arrived at about 12:10 a.m. to find the building fully engulfed, customers standing outside in the cold, said Anderson.
"There was fire everywhere," he said of the wood-frame building. "Smoke pouring out of windows when we got there. It was on every floor of the building."
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but it is not suspicious in nature, Anderson said Sunday night. However, he added that fire investigators may be close to making a determination.
"All I can say at this point is that we know when it started, and we know where it started," he said.
Monroe fire crews sent a ladder truck to the fire, and were among the many area fire departments assisting New Glarus crews on scene, the chief said.
Other departments on scene include Monticello, Blanchardville, Hollandale and Mt. Horeb. Anderson said some firefighters sustained minor bumps and bruises, mostly from falling on ice.
For his part, Anderson said he was disappointed that he couldn't save the downtown building.
"It's tough because no one wants to lose," he said. "And we lost this one."
Efforts to raise money for the family are documented on the bar's Facebook page. And judging from the many comments left by posters, the family has many friends in the community. The bar has reportedly hosted numerous charitable events over the years.
The American Red Cross/Badger Chapter also is assisting the family.
News reports also say there are a number of efforts underway in and around New Glarus to help the family recover from the loss of their home, livelihood and belongings.
Having battled the early Sunday morning fire for nearly 12 hours, the building, 115 5th Ave. NW, was finally razed by by crews working Sunday afternoon, said New Glarus Fire Chief David Anderson.
He said that action was necessary because the unsteady structure remained a public safety hazard.
No one was seriously injured in the fire, though customers were in the bar when it was reportedly discovered in an upstairs room by owner Greg Kleeman, the chief said,
Kleeman briefly tried extinguishing the gathering blaze before running downstairs to clear the bar of patrons and call authorities for help
Kleeman lived upstairs with his wife and and their three children, but the rest of the family were staying with a relative when the blaze began, he said.
Attempts to reach Kleeman for comment were unsuccessful Sunday.
Firefighters arrived at about 12:10 a.m. to find the building fully engulfed, customers standing outside in the cold, said Anderson.
"There was fire everywhere," he said of the wood-frame building. "Smoke pouring out of windows when we got there. It was on every floor of the building."
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but it is not suspicious in nature, Anderson said Sunday night. However, he added that fire investigators may be close to making a determination.
"All I can say at this point is that we know when it started, and we know where it started," he said.
Monroe fire crews sent a ladder truck to the fire, and were among the many area fire departments assisting New Glarus crews on scene, the chief said.
Other departments on scene include Monticello, Blanchardville, Hollandale and Mt. Horeb. Anderson said some firefighters sustained minor bumps and bruises, mostly from falling on ice.
For his part, Anderson said he was disappointed that he couldn't save the downtown building.
"It's tough because no one wants to lose," he said. "And we lost this one."
Efforts to raise money for the family are documented on the bar's Facebook page. And judging from the many comments left by posters, the family has many friends in the community. The bar has reportedly hosted numerous charitable events over the years.
The American Red Cross/Badger Chapter also is assisting the family.
News reports also say there are a number of efforts underway in and around New Glarus to help the family recover from the loss of their home, livelihood and belongings.