United States (Wisconsin) - A fire Wednesday morning destroyed a landmark in this Dunn County village of fewer than 500 residents. The Knapp House, 307 U.S. 12 W., had been a community mainstay since the 1940s. On Wednesday that history went up in smoke when the building was severely damaged by the blaze.

Menomonie firefighters received a call at 4:24 a.m. noting that smoke was billowing from the restaurant and bar. Prior to firefighters arriving on scene, a Dunn County Sheriff's Department deputy reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof of the building.

Flames on the roof were visible when firefighters arrived at the scene.

"We'll all miss it because it was a landmark and has been known for years for quality food," Knapp village Clerk Verna McClelland said.

A couple of people on their way to work Wednesday morning noticed smoke coming from the Knapp House. They knew owner Rick Bloomfield lived there and knocked on doors and windows. They eventually entered the building and were able to wake Bloomfield, who escaped without injury prior to firefighters arriving on scene, Menomonie Fire Chief Jack Baus said.

"That was the value of a small town," he said. "They knew he lived there."

The fire was in the attic which made it difficult to fight, Baus said.

"It had a good head start on us," he said.

Firefighters entered the 7,800-square-foot building, but heat and heavy smoke hindered their efforts to put out the fire, Baus said.

"The fire burned through the roof and once it did, it continued to spread," he said.

Difficulties getting enough water to the fire site also made fighting the blaze a challenge. Besides the Menomonie Fire Department, 10 other departments provided assistance and helped haul water from Menomonie and Wilson. Water also was pulled from the Knapp pond to help extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Baus said. The fire department's investigator searched for clues Wednesday afternoon.

No damage estimates were available.

The fire closed down U.S. 12 for about seven hours, Baus said.

The Knapp House has been owned by Bloomfield for the past four or five years, McClelland said. The business originally was known as the Trail Inn in the 1940s and has had a number of owners in ensuing years. It shut down for a time because of financial difficulties but subsequently reopened.

Village Board President Ron Finder said the loss of the Knapp House is a big loss for the village, which has 474 residents.

"In a community this size we need everything we can possibly get to attract people to the village," he said.

Firefighters On Scene:

Boyceville Fire Department

Colfax Fire Department

Glenwood City Fire Department

Durand Fire Department

New Richmond Fire Department

Roberts Fire Department

Deer Park Fire Department

United Fire Department

Spring Valley Fire Department

Elmwood Fire Department

Written by Leader-Telegram