OCONTO FALLS, WI (WTAQ) – A historic landmark and recently opened cafe in Oconto Falls is heavily damaged by a fire.
Crews were called late Wednesday night to The Caldwell House, 172 N. Main Street.
Multiple units responded to the fire and were on scene battling flames and hot spots for several hours into Thursday morning.
The Wisconsin Historical Society says it was built in 1895 as a hotel.
Fire officials say the flames started in the attic and made its way through other parts of the building.
“We went in to try and make sure everyone was out of the building” Oconto Fire Chief Tim Magnin told FOX 11. “By the time we got half way through the building the fire started coming down on us already so we had to quit.”
A cafe recently opened on the bottom level of the building, and apartment units were on the upper level. Everyone was able to evacuate safely, but families are now displaced.
Hope Hrabik works at the restaurant next door to the Caldwell House. She tells FOX 11 this is just devastating to the community.
“People have gone there all their lives I mean we grew up there and our kids went there,” Hrabik said.
Bystanders gathered to see the damage for themselves in disbelief at the debris and rubble that has fallen to the ground.
The fire is still under investigation, and officials have not released a cause.
