Chapin Fire Chief Scott Pahlmann says his department received the call to the building at 1630 U. S. 67 at about 7:45. The South Jacksonville and Jacksonville fire departments were called in immediately to help battle the blaze.

Pahlmann says when firefighters arrived they found the large, red farm building easily seen from Route 67 completely engulfed in flames.

"The size of the building, the way the structure was, and how much it progressed before we got in [made it difficult to fight]," says Pahlmann. "South Jacksonville and Chapin [firefighters] both started interior operations and we had to back out."

Pahlmann says the cause of the fire remains under investigation. He says it doesn't appear to be suspicious in nature. The State Fire Marshal is being called in to determine the cause. Pahlmann says it began at the north end of the building.

“When we got here we had a couple of guys in hoping we could contain it to the north end of the building where the fire was and we weren't able to," says Pahlmann. "[The roof] caved in after we pulled everybody out."

He says nobody was injured fighting the blaze. The cost of the damage is still being assessed but the building is a total loss.

According to Buena Vista Farms’ website, the facility has held several weddings, receptions, conferences, and private events.

Buena Vista Farms was founded in 2006. It’s owned and operated by Nestor and Teri Gutierrez.