Yuengling Brewery Fire: Officials Investigate Huge Blaze That Caused $1M In Damage To Tampa Facility [VIDEO]

Yuengling brewery's fire last night caused an estimated $1 million in damages. The fire at Yuengling's Tampa brewery in Florida started several stories up in the building and caused massive damages. Approximately 60 firefighters were called on the scene and were met with dense smoke and extreme heat, the Tampa Tribune reports. It took them over an hour to contain the blaze. Factory workers were safely evacuated from the building and no injuries have been reported. Brewer Jim Helmke said that "it will be business as usual on Monday morning. We are very fortunate. It does look bad. There is a gaping hole and charred remains, but there is no internal damage, except for the hole in the wall."

fire marshal officials are investigating how the massive blaze started. It appears to have been accidental, according to preliminary reports. The site has beeen turned over to investigators with the brewery's insurance company. The damage to the building was quite severe: the fire began in an exteriar wall but never actually reached the beer storage, meaning that operations will be able to continue for the company. Yuengling is the oldest brewery in the U.S. It was founded in 1829. The company is based in Pottsville, Pa. The company distributes millions of barrel each year across the East Coast. This second facility was opened in 1999: the building was originally owned by Schlitz. It had also acted as a brewery for Pabst.