CLAYTON, Wis. (WFRV) – A nearly 50-year-old barn at Cavanaugh Carriages was destroyed in an early morning fire Saturday.
Cody Cavanaugh, co-owner of the family-run carriage business, said he first learned of the fire through a phone call from a friend.
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“It was a rough start to Valentine’s Day,” Cavanaugh said. “I was at a friend’s house and watched the fire trucks turn this way.”
The barn, which had stood on the property for nearly five decades, was fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived. Clayton Fire Chief Scott Rieckmann said crews were dispatched at approximately 1:20 a.m.
“The report was that the building was fully involved,” Rieckmann said. “We arrived on the scene and there was fire blowing out of every window and the roof.”
Officials believe the fire originated inside the barn, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
The blaze destroyed horse harnesses, saddles and other essential equipment stored inside, along with items of sentimental value collected over the years.
“When the fire went, it took all of the harnesses for the horses, the saddles, a lot of equipment, and a lot of memories,” Cavanaugh said.
Despite the extensive damage, no people were injured and no major animals were harmed, according to the family.
In the days following the fire, Cavanaugh said the family has been overwhelmed by community support. Local residents and business owners have reached out with calls and messages, and some restaurant owners have delivered food to help the family through the aftermath.
“The community support has been awesome,” Cavanaugh said.
Over the years, the property has served as a gathering place for Clayton residents, hosting seasonal events such as fall pumpkin patches and Santa sleigh rides.
The family is now beginning cleanup efforts and weighing options for rebuilding. Cavanaugh said recreating the historic barn will be challenging, especially given the unique and antique items that were lost.
“To recreate this barn now is tough because there were so many cool old things in there,” he said. “We would still like to build something similar. We still want Santa sleigh rides. I think that is the route we will go.”
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As recovery efforts continue, the family is seeking assistance to help replace some of the items destroyed in the fire.
Those interested in helping the Cavanaugh family can contact them directly through Facebook.
