MANITOWOC (NBC 26) — Hartman's Bakery announced that its Manitowoc location was damaged in a fire early Wednesday.
VIDEO (Cred. Kevin Willert): A Wednesday morning fire ravaged Hartman’s Bakery in Manitowoc. It’s the facility where all of the baking is done, so the business says all three locations will be shut down until further notice after today.
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According to the Manitowoc Fire Rescue Department, the business was occupied when the fire began. The initial reports were that 911 was contacted when smoke was filling the baking area of the business. The fire department said the origin of the fire is currently unknown.
Once people left the building, the fire department said they could see flames coming from the roof of the structure. The fire department said Manitowoc Fire Rescue personnel did an outstanding job in working aggressively to stay ahead of the fire traveling through void spaces in the structure.
"The main fire was extinguished quickly," the fire department said in a press release. "But extensive amount of time was spent exposing void areas from previous alterations to the occupancy."
No one was hurt. The fire is currently under investigation but appears to be unintentional. The fire department doesn't currently have an estimate on how much money the damage has cost the business.
Co-Owner of the bakery, Luisa Rehrauer, recounts what happened when the fire started. "We were just working late... We just started smelling smoke, and out of nowhere, there was just so much smoke. We called 911. After that, we moved to our cars. There was so much flames. Firefighters came right away. It was just so much, not even I would be able to get rid of the fire it was so big. It was just in the ceiling. The oven did not cause it. We're still figuring out where did it come from."
The bakery says the Manitowoc location is where all of their baking is done. As a result of the fire, all Hartman's locations will be closed until further notice.
The business thanked firefighters for arriving quickly and working hard until everything was safe.
A neighbor of the bakery, Kevin Willert, says "it took nearly four hours for firefighters to extinguish the blaze."
Other area businesses have already jumped into action by creating fundraisers for Hartman's Bakery.
Luxe Beauty Bar LLC will now be selling raffle tickets to win four custom-matched wefts.
State of Grace Well-Being will be hosting 'Yoga For A Cause'on Saturday, August 6 at Union Park.
After hearing about the outpouring of help, Hartman's released a new statement. "Thank you all for your love and support. We appreciate you all more than you know. There is a significant amount of damage to the roof and kitchen. We are beginning the rebuilding process as soon as possible and will keep you all updated.
