Upper Milford’s “Countryside” Burns in the Night
The favorite ice cream shop on the outskirts of Macungie and Emmaus ignited early Saturday morning as firefighters were called to the scene.
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Fire broke out early Saturday morning at the popular Countryside Restaurant at the intersection of Routes 100 and 29, just south of Emmaus.
Several fire departments including Upper Milford, Vera Cruz and Emmaus were quickly called to the scene after hunters noticed the flames at 3a.m. and made the 911 call.
Bill Kao, owner of the restaurant in Upper Milford, said he was notified by 3:15a.m. and rushed to the scene.
“We don’t know where the fire started yet. The Upper Milford fire department is investigating,” Kao said.
According to Kao, flames started coming through the original entrance in the back by the kitchen and back storage area. Most of the fire was concentrated around the location of the walk-in refrigerator. Everyone is “clueless” how this started, but they’re guessing it was a result of faulty wiring.
“It took out the whole entire back,” Kao added.
Smoke damage spread throughout the building, including the dining area. The extent of the damage is uncertain at this time as fire officials were restricting anyone from entering the building.
According to responders, fire damage is extensive. "They had a bad fire there. It was a big mess," said George DeVault, assistant fire chief for Citizens Fire Company of Upper Milford. "The walls are still up and the roof was intact, but basically the inside was destroyed."
A group of several Countryside employees was called in to answer questions.
Kao said there were plans to relocate the big equipment down to the Emmaus location, "Creamery on Main," today. Those plans have been temporarily postponed.
“We’ll still have all the stuff and are planning to open June 1 depending on what happens at the Countryside location,” Kao said.
Having added several new employees to his staff, Kao said he plans to keep the new people and use everyone at the Emmaus location, only on shorter shifts, so everyone can keep their jobs.
The owner of the building said he has not had previous fire damage.
Donna Hosfeld
3:32 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2011
Really devastating, unbelievable to see a legend change in less than 12 hours. Was there around 7pm for ice cream....and thereagain watching this as the sky turned from night to day...
Ami Lanning
4:25 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2011
So sorry to hear this. Hope Bill & company bounce back soon and can rebuild/reopen on this site...
Lyle Richardson
5:52 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2011
Sorry to hear this Bill hope you can still open on the triangle. And hope you can rebuild on the hill.....
bill kao
8:27 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2011
Countryside would like to thank everyone for their kinds words and support, and a special thanks to all of the firefighters who rushed to the scene and spent today trying to figure out what happened. The fire is believed to have been purposely set after the inside of the store was robbed. If you have any information to help the investigation, please let us know.
Carl W
12:12 am on Sunday, May 22, 2011
Mr. Kao, have faith. P.S.P.fire marshall teams are really good.
As one who's loved your store, when it re-opens (or if I can find the new one mentioned here), I'll ask others, and try myself, to go the extra mile (from Allentown) to patronize you, to help w/ costs.
Best wishes!!
Ginny Gemmel
7:49 am on Sunday, May 22, 2011
I've gone there whole life - over 50 years. So sorry to hear of this sad news. No one was injured & that's a blessing. You will go on & customers will find your kind smile at the new location . Thoughts & prayers go with you.
Lynn Faust
5:19 pm on Sunday, May 22, 2011
SUCH SAD DEVASTATING NEWS! HOW UPSETTING! WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU AS YOU DEAL WITH THIS! WE HAVE BEEN CUSTOMERS OF COUNTRYSIDE FOR MANY YEARS AND WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR EMMAUS LOCATION!
MORGAN AND LYNN FAUST
EMMAUS
Angle
7:57 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
I Can't believe that my favorite ice cream place caught on fire! Now I am only 10 but it is still very sad!!
Lyle Richardson
9:34 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
How about we all chip in some $$$$$ and offer a reward to find who did this???????
Lyle Richardson
10:41 pm on Wednesday, June 15, 2011
By chance do we have any updates on this investigation ?????
Jenae Holtzhafer
11:50 pm on Thursday, June 16, 2011
I believe this is still under investigation. According to Bill it was classified as arson. It's still hard to believe, but we're happy to have Bill in Emmaus. The Creamery is such a perfect place to walk to after seeing a movie at Emmaus Theatre. Grab a cone and sit by the water fountain on the Triangle. So relaxing and 'small town America!' I love our town!!