ANIWA -- A fire has destroyed a tavern in Shawano County.

Firefighters first responded to an electrical fire at the Melody Mill in Aniwa last evening.

Sheriff's officials say the electricity was shut off and the fire extinguished.

Fire crews from five different departments - Mattoon, Langlade County, Birnamwood area, town of Easton and Rural Fire Control of Antigo - were called back to the property along Highway 45 around 5:15 a.m. after getting several calls about flames coming from the building.

Crews used a large crane to help them break down the bar area of the building.

Chief Ray Lemke of the Birmamwood EMS says the building had been remodeled several times, resulting in several false ceilings and walls and enabling the fire to hide in a lot of places.

Firefighters spent the morning dousing the structure to prevent the flames from reigniting.

Lemke also says the cold weather was posing problems for the crews.

The temperature was about 20 degrees around 6 a.m., which made it difficult for firefighters to maintain their footing.

"When you're trying to use water to extinguish the flame, you always have the possibilities of everything freezing up or icing up on the surfaces on the road, the ladders, the equipment, so it makes it more difficult," says Lemke.

Firefighters do not believe foul play is a factor in the blaze.

Owners Venita and Don Karcz say the landmark has been in the family for nearly 40 years and that the sentimental loss is the hardest part to take.

The fire was contained to the bar area.

Lemke says there may only be smoke damage to the ballroom and to the attached residence.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.