A massive early-morning fire tore through Bass Bay Brewhouse in Muskego, Wisconsin, badly damaging the beloved lakeside restaurant and bar and drawing a large response from area fire departments. Drone footage shared by local outlets shows flames ripping through the structure as firefighters battle thick smoke over the frozen shoreline.
What Happened at Bass Bay Brewhouse?
According to local reports, firefighters were called to a
structure fire at Bass Bay Brewhouse early Friday morning, Dec. 12. Video and drone footage show significant fire involvement in the building as crews attack the blaze from multiple sides and from above.
The brewhouse, located on the shore of
Bass Bay in Muskego, is a popular spot known for its food, drinks, and waterfront views, making the fire a major blow to the local dining scene and community.
Dramatic Drone Footage Captures the Blaze
Local media outlets released
drone video that provides a dramatic aerial look at the fire’s intensity:
- The footage shows
heavy flames and thick smoke pouring from the building’s roof as firefighters work from ladder trucks and the ground.
- Multiple fire crews can be seen surrounding the structure, with hoses trained on the most active parts of the blaze.
- The video underscores the scale of the response and the apparent severity of the damage.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shared drone video from the scene, noting firefighters fought the fire in the early morning hours. FOX6 Milwaukee also aired drone video highlighting the rapid spread and difficulty of the blaze.
Firefighting Response and Current Status
CBS 58 reports that
firefighters responded to a structure fire at the restaurant and were on scene working to bring the flames under control early Friday. As of the latest updates in those reports:
- Crews were still assessing
damage and stability of the building.
- The
cause of the fire had not yet been released.
- There were no immediate detailed public reports on injuries in the initial coverage.
Given the scale of the blaze visible in footage, it appears the brewhouse suffered
major structural damage, though formal assessments and official statements will likely follow once fire investigators complete their work.
Why This Matters to the Community
Bass Bay Brewhouse is more than just a restaurant; it’s a
local gathering place on the water, drawing regulars from Muskego and visitors from around the Milwaukee area for lakeside dining, events, and casual nights out.
Losing — even temporarily — a place like this hits a few nerves:
-
Economic impact: Staff face sudden uncertainty, and the local hospitality ecosystem takes a real hit.
-
Community identity: Waterfront spots with character are hard to replace; they often anchor summer traditions, celebrations, and weekend routines.
-
Future questions: Residents will be watching closely to see whether the building can be repaired or will need to be rebuilt entirely.
Based on similar past incidents with lakeside restaurants and bars, the next steps typically include:
- Structural and safety assessments by fire and building officials
- Insurance evaluations and damage estimates
- A decision by ownership on
rebuilding, renovating, or relocatingNone of that has been officially announced yet for Bass Bay Brewhouse, but it is the likely path of the story from here.
What to Watch Next
If you’re a customer, neighbor, or just someone following the story, here are the key developments to look for in coming days and weeks:
-
Official cause of the fire once investigations are complete
-
Statements from ownership on the future of Bass Bay Brewhouse
- Any
community fundraisers or support efforts for displaced staff
- City or county discussions if rebuilding requires special approvals due to the waterfront location
For now, the images tell the story: a well-loved lakeside brewhouse, heavily damaged, and a community waiting to see what rises from the ashes.
Sources
1. Drone video footage from fire at Bass Bay Brewhouse in Muskego
2. Drone video shows fire at Bass Bay Brewhouse | FOX6 Milwaukee
3. Firefighters respond to structure fire at Bass Bay Brewhouse in Muskego
