'It’s really devastating': Fire destroys well-known Muskego lakeside restaurant
MUSKEGO, Wis. (CBS 58) - Fire crews in Muskego spent Friday morning, Dec. 12, battling a fire that destroyed Bass Bay Brewhouse, a well-known lakeside restaurant. Neighbors said they woke up to smoke, noise, and debris falling into their yards.
Crews were called to the restaurant around 6 a.m., arriving to find heavy smoke and flames already spreading along the north side of the building. Firefighters from multiple departments worked through freezing temperatures and limited access to nearby hydrants to contain the fire.
The building is a total loss.
A neighbor Katie Esterle, said she noticed smoke from her second floor, and soon after debris began falling into her yard. She said, “We have debris in our backyard… it started falling a little earlier and then the wind shifted and there’s a lot of debris back there.”
Another neighbor, Steve Drobot, said the fire grew quickly. “Smoke started to arise and I heard a noise and there was quite a bit of flames. It got out of control pretty quickly,” he said.
Neighbors who grew up visiting the restaurant said it has been part of their lives for decades
Katie Esterle said, “It's so disappointing and especially I grew up in Muskego, it’s kind of a Muskego landmark.” She added, “I remember going there as an eight-year-old girl with my dad, it was just such a beautiful warm restaurant.”
Steve Drobot said the lakeside location made it a special gathering spot.
“There’s not too many places on a lake that has the space where you have kids that can run around, eat indoors, outdoors...it’s just a really welcoming environment,” he said.
Neighbors said they’re ready to rally around the owners and help them recover.
The fire is out, and all occupants were safely evacuated.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
If you want to help the restaurant's staff and their families, you can donate here.
MUSKEGO, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Firefighters are responding to a structure fire at Bass Bay Brewhouse in Muskego early Friday, Dec. 12, according to the Muskego Police Department.
Officials were called to the scene on Aud Mar Drive around 6 a.m.
The restaurant and residential portions of the building were fully evacuated and fire crews started battling the blaze immediately.
Authorities say freezing temperatures and the absence of nearby hydrants created challenging conditions.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
