Firefighters battle 3-alarm blaze at Waukesha's Fracaro's Lanes, owners plan to rebuild



WAUKESHA -- Firefighters on Sunday night, January 1st were called out to the scene of a fire at  Fracaro's Lanes -- a bowling alley in Waukesha. Fracaro's is located on Whiterock Avenue near W. Moreland.

The fire broke out around 9:00 p.m. Sunday.

Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



"Looking out the window -- seeing flames just coming from the roof. We were just sort of shocked," John Neitman, a witness said.

When crews arrived on scene, they found large volumes of smoke and fire coming from the roof of the building.

The fire went to three alarms and required resources from multiple departments.

Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



No one was injured as a result of the fire.

"Seems like a little historical place here in Waukesha. It's just gonna be a shame," Neitman said.

Fire officials were alerted to the blaze by those at a nearby gas station.

Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



"Our crews were finding that the roof conditions were starting to get bad. The roof didn`t fully collapse, but did sag and get to a point where it was no longer safe to be in the building," Steve Howard, Waukesha fire chief said.

Officials say the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



An initial investigation has revealed the fire started in the kitchen area, behind the bar. Additional testing will be done to determine the exact cause.

This fire is NOT considered suspicious.

An initial estimated loss to the building and contents is in excess of $250,000.

Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



The bowling alley has been in the Fracaro family since 1933.

Waukesha residents said it's a staple and they're devastated.

Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



"It`s a landmark. Kids grew up down here watching their parents and I`m sure their parents grew up here watching their parents. Just pray that the family can get through this. It sucks. It really sucks," Chad Krieger said.

On Monday, co-owner Jason Hansen was allowed inside. Hansen said they do plan to rebuild.

Fire at Fracaro's Lanes in Waukesha



FOX6 News was told insurance adjusters will be out at the building on Tuesday to assess the damage.

Below are photos shared with FOX6 News by a viewer, along with photos from a FOX6 News crew on scene:

PHOTO GALLERY