Investigators from the state fire marshal's office say Monday's fire in downtown New Bremen appears to have started accidentally. Crews remained on scene and caution tape in place, the morning after the fire on Monroe Street destroyed the roof of a historic building.
Carla Topp's business was spared except for some smoke damage because of a fire wall and firefighter efforts.
"Last night they had the fan on all night keeping as much of that smell out as possible. We got really lucky we did," said Topp, co-owner of New Bremen Coffee Co. and Books.
The fire started in the next building over which held the Fireside Pub and Que's Barbershop. The structure dates back to the 1890's and once held an opera house. Crown Equipment Corporation, which is headquartered in New Bremen, owns the building. Crown crews haven't been able to assess the damage, however, if it is structurally sound, the building might be restored.
"The look and feel of those buildings is very important to the integrity of what we have to offer here. It's very important. We'd love to be able to keep the building since it's historical in nature," said Randy Niekamp, V.P. of Human Resources for Crown.
No word yet on what will come of the restaurant and barbershop, but the businesses have the support of the community.
"You know, we've got to band together, and we're going to do what we can to help each other. But, you know, it's just devastating. It's sickening," said Topp. "We're happy that everybody came out okay. There's no problem there."
Crews from six different departments battled the blaze which was reported around 6:30 Monday evening.
According to Shane Cartmill, a spokesperson for the state fire marshal, there is no evidence of criminal intent and the building was locked and secured when it started.
The cause of the fire will officially be ruled as undetermined.
