A massive fire has completely destroyed the Bass Bay Brewhouse, a cherished restaurant and event space located in Muskego.
The fire began on the morning of Friday, December 12 around 6 am. Currently, the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal. The flames spread quickly, and dozens of firefighters from several nearby departments were called to the scene.
There was also a house attached to Bass Bay’s property, which was occupied by the VanHoff family, who are related to the restaurant’s owners. The parents, along with their two daughters, were able to escape the fire although their home fell victim to the blaze.
Everyone in the home and the restaurant were safely evacuated from the property. Unfortunately, the restaurant and home were deemed to be a “total loss”.
The Tess Corners Fire Department provided an update regarding the situation, stating that they found “heavy smoke” and an “active fire on the north side of the building” upon their arrival. After making sure that everyone had been safely removed from the scene, they began to tackle the flames that were quickly moving throughout the structure. Ultimately, this was deemed a 2 alarm fire.
The Tess Corners Fire Department went on to warn others about the importance of fire safety, especially during cold seasons:
“While the exact cause of the fire may not be known for some time, this incident serves as an important reminder for all of us to stay vigilant about fire safety in our homes. Please take a moment to test your smoke detectors, review your family’s fire escape plan, and, during the holidays, ensure that light strings are in good condition, live trees are well-watered, and candles are never left unattended… Looking back into November, we continue to see the increase in our call volume and will be headed toward another year of record breaking numbers. “
In the wake of the tragic event, several fundraisers have been set up to help out both the displaced family and the affected staff during the difficult time. A GoFundMe for the staff and families of Bass Bay Brewhouse has almost reached its goal of $50,000 in less than two days. It can be found here.
