EGG HARBOR - A historic building up in flames leaves many in Door County without power. About 100 firefighters descended on Egg Harbor after a manager of Shipwrecked Brew Pub and Restaurant says employees couldn't put out flames with a fire extinguisher.
As smoke billowed from Shipwrecked, employees said they were glad to be out of the building unharmed.
"It got out of control real fast. Luckily our staff called 911. They evacuated the building, the waitresses left, still had the menus in their hands because they were taking orders," said Joe Smith, Shipwrecked general manager.
Nearly every fire department in Door County, and some from surrounding areas, battled the blaze for hours, blasting the restaurant with water in an attempt to get the fire under control.
"It's an old building. It's been remodeled quite a few times. So there's false walls, false ceilings to deal with. It pretty much lived up to everything we thought it would if something happened to the building," said Steve Schopf, Egg Harbor fire chief.
While no civilians suffered injuries, EMS personnel on scene say they treated nearly 100 firefighters for heat related illnesses. Nine firefighters had to be sent to the hospital.
"The amount of clothes they wear, the air they're breathing, but add the humidity today, and temps around 80 degrees, puts a lot more wear and tear on the folks, even the guys and gals working exterior operations," said Aaron Leclair, Door County emergency services.
Leclair says fortunately, all the hospitalized firefighters are stable.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Emergency personnel say they're grateful the American Red Cross was on scene to give a helping hand while they battled the blaze.
