Fire officials are looking for the cause of an overnight fire that destroyed a landmark building in Waukon, and has closed part of a highway. Fire crews were called out about two this morning to the Wild Willy’s Pizza Saloon, which is located in the historic opera house building in downtown Waukon.
Fire crews remain on the scene and according to the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department, the building is a total loss. No one was injured, and a cause of the fire has not been determined. According to on-line information, Wild Willey’s is owned by Jason and Dana Fish of Waukon, and was recently remodeled. The building is located on Allamakee Street, which is also Highway 9.
Because of the fire and subsequent cleanup and demolition of the building, the Iowa DOT has re-routed traffic around the site. Highway nine is closed in both directions. The detour is expected to be in place for one week to allow for demolition of the fire-damage building.