A longtime Red Bud business was destroyed by fire on Friday. 

Firefighters responded shortly after 3 p.m. to a fire inside Miller’s Meat Market, 1524 S. Main Street in Red Bud.

Heavy smoke was showing upon emergency personnel arrival. 

The Red Bud and Hecker fire departments responded to the blaze. 

Miller’s Meat Market is a family run business that opened in 1958 and is owned by Kevin and Pam Miller. 

Kevin Miller is a former Red Bud fire chief. In fact, he was presented the Red Bud Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of Achievement award on April 11, recognizing his many years of service, dedication and commitment to the community. 

Kevin and Pam were the only two working inside at the time of the blaze and safely exited the burning building without injury.

Firefighters returned to the structure about 7:30 p.m. Saturday for a rekindling.

Miller’s Meat Market posted on its Facebook page over the weekend, thanking all those who expressed support.

“We are so sorry for the disruption and impact this will have on our valued customers,” the post states. “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our wonderful community and extend our sincere thanks to the Red Bud Fire Department and Hecker Fire Department for their swift and courageous response. Due to the extensive damage, our computers and contact information are all unknown at this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging time and work to find ways to reconnect with everyone. We are grateful that everyone is safe. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the calls, texts, food and drinks that were provided, and continued support. We are so thankful to be a part of this amazing community.”

The cause of Friday’s fire remains under investigation, Red Bud Fire Chief Sean Landgraf told the North County News.  

“Heavy smoke was visible on arrival, and the crew attempted an initial interior fire attack,” the fire chief said. “Intense fire pushed them out of the building, and we had to take a defensive stance. Our ladder truck and main pumper were in the front of the building, pulling water from the nearby fire hydrant. Our reserve pumper pumped out of a portable pond in the rear. Red Bud and Hecker tankers shuttled water to keep the portable pond full. It was a frustrating fire to fight, not only because of the building construction, but also because we all know Kevin, Pam, their family, and what they have put into the business.”

Landgraf said his firefighters were on scene for about 4.5 hours. 

“Red Bud had 33 firefighters respond to the incident. Hecker assisted with manpower, taking the total to over 40 firefighters,” he said. “I don’t know how much water we flowed, but it was a lot.”