Riley’s Brewery main office destroyed in Madera County fire, Cal Fire says. ‘Broke my heart’

A fire burned through the night and into Wednesday morning after explosions were reported at the Riley’s Brewery in Madera County, fire officials confirmed.

The fire in the corporate offices at Avenue 15 1/2 and Road 29 was reported about 8 p.m. Tuesday and spread to two ethanol tanks, according to Jaime Williams, a spokesperson for the Cal Fire unit that covers Madera.

Ethanol is a chemical used in the process to make beer, wine and spirits, and is volatile and flammable.

The 10,000-square-foot structure was destroyed in the blaze that has not been contained. “They’re expecting it to continue to burn through out the day,” she said.

There was an outpouring of support on social media for fans of the brewery and its owner, Danny Riley.

Owner of Apcal Rock N’ Ranch Darren Schmall asked for prayers in a Facebook post.

“Tonight’s fire broke my heart. To see my brother’s business go up in flames is devastating,” the post said. “I just want to hug him and cry with him.”

Crow & Wolf Brewing Co. also expressed sympathy.

“Please keep our friends Riley’s Brewing in your thoughts tonight,” a Facebook post said. “They are suffering such an immeasurable loss, and they’re going to need all of our help to get them back on their feet.”