SYKESVILLE, Md. (WMAR) — A Carroll County landmark was destroyed on Tuesday after erupting in flames.
It happened around 7:45 p.m. at Bolen's Bull Pen, located at 19 West Old Liberty Road in Sykesville.
The Winfield Community Fire Department was first on scene and found the roof of the building engulfed in flames. Sykesville and Gamber fire companies also responded to assist. By 10 p.m., crews had put the fire out.
Heading down Highway 26 in Sykesville thousands of people have popped by for some pit beef or a breakfast sandwich at Bolen's Bull Pen.
On Tuesday night the flames made the hometown favorite unrecognizable.
“All of a sudden the roof was engulfed in a minute,” said Danielle Puga who works next door at Amante Pizza and Pasta. “We heard a pop and a mushroom cloud shot up and the roof collapsed and was on the ground.”
The small family operated BBQ joint covered in pictures on the walls turned into a pile of rubble and ashes.
“It was like horrifying and mesmerizing to watch how fast it went and how quickly the whole place was engulfed in flames,” said Tim Phelps the Co-owner of Sykesville Martial Arts
Puga loved the sausage and gravy, and her dog was a big fan of the chipped beef.
“My pit bull puppy loved their food," Puga said. "The owner would always bring her out food to the car the leftovers and stuff he had and he was a great guy.”
According to Robert Farver with the Winfield Community Fire Department, the business was closed and unoccupied at the time the fire broke out.
One of the owners responded to the scene after being alerted of the fire and sustained minor injuries while crews were attempting to hook up hose lines.
Farver said the building was a total loss as result of the blaze. Officials with the State Fire Marshal estimate the loss to be worth around $500,000.
“My heart goes out to them. Just to see how quickly it happened," said Phelps. "My first thought was is anyone in there my second one was just as a local small business owner in Sykesville just to see that happen is hear wrenching.”
The Fire Marshal's Office said no foul play is suspected but they're continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fire.
Bolen's Bull Pen, known for their pit beef and breakfast sandwiches has been a family owned carryout since 1999.
Video from Sgt. 12-1 (Neagle) as he conducted the initial 360 degree walk around at tonight’s fire. pic.twitter.com/92qm0tkyDM
— Sykesville Fire Dept (@SykesvilleFD) February 27, 2019
By late Tuesday night, after hours of being closed, Liberty Road was reopened between Enterprise Street and White Rock Road.
