Firefighters shoot water into smoldering rubble at Brick Haven.

At least seven local fire departments responded to an early-morning fire Saturday that destroyed the main building of a local event venue, and shut down traffic on U.S. Highway 278 for several hours.

The fire completely destroyed the north-facing structure of Brick Haven, a recently-opened, privately-owned venue for weddings and events. Brick Haven is located on Highway 278, about a mile west of the City of Cullman.

No one was injured in the fire, which was first reported at 1:03 a.m. Saturday. Fire crews from Bethsadia, Logan, Trimble, Good Hope, Vinemont, West Point and the City of Cullman responded at the scene.

The 14,000 square-foot event venue hosts weddings, conferences, reunions and other activities. Thanks to a series of rapid expansions and upgrades, as well as a full suite of custom services and amenities, Brick Haven has quickly gained popularity among engaged couples looking for a local wedding venue in the short time since it first opened. Michael and Amanda Keller are the owners of Brick Haven, but they were reportedly on vacation when the fire started.

Cullman Fire Chief Edward Reinhardt said flames were shooting through the roof when his department arrived to assist the Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department and others, after the original call came in at 1:03 a.m. Saturday.

“It was fully involved when we arrived. You could see the flames as our units arrived,” Reinhardt said. “The main building is a total loss and it began to collapse.”

Because the effort involved tapping a hydrant located across the highway from the venue, sheriff’s deputies closed Highway 278 and re-routed traffic until responders’ work was finished. Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said the road remained closed for the duration of the fire fighting effort, finally reopening to traffic around 9:30 a.m.Saturday.

Reinhardt said the fire was contained by around 4:30 a.m. Pumper trucks remained at the site well past daybreak, dousing the hot spots that persisted.

The fire engulfed the main, public-facing building at Brick Haven — a brick-clad structure with a wood frame interior carcass — causing it to collapse as fire fighters worked to control the flames. The destroyed building was originally erected to function as an auto auction house, but was renovated and expanded after the Kellers acquired and repurposed the facility.

“There was a another building that was newer, attached to the main one, and we were working to keep it out of it and away from some vehicles and other smaller buildings nearby,” Reinhardt said.

“It’s a brick and metal building with some woodwork. The main building is a total loss,” Reinhardt said.

An attempt to reach Brick Haven Saturday through the cell phone number provided on its website was unsuccessful.

Leah Bolin, President and CEO of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, said Brick Haven joined the Chamber two years ago as its owners began cultivating the venue’s ties to the local business community. She expressed sadness at the loss, but was confident in Brick Haven’s potential to bounce back.

“We were so sorry to hear about the fire at Brickhaven last night. They have worked hard to build a great venue, and we know that this loss will be difficult for them,” Bolin said.

“I have no doubt, however, they are already making plans to facilitate their customers and are looking to restore their loss as quickly as possible. Our local fire departments did an outstanding job of preventing the spread of this fire and putting out the blaze as quickly as they could.”

The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

 

Benjamin Bullard may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 136.