CULLMAN, Ala. – Firefighters worked for hours Monday to contain a blaze at the historic Stiefelmeyer Building in downtown Cullman, with crews remaining on scene as of print time, late evening. Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Darren Peeples said the building was “not salvageable.”
Cullman Fire Rescue crews began responding to the fire around 4 a.m., with law enforcement securing the surrounding area and traffic rerouted through portions of downtown.
Fire response timeline
At 7 a.m., firefighters were actively working to contain the fire, with visible smoke impacting the surrounding area.
Allison Bright, CEO of the Cullman Power Board, said power was shut off as a safety measure, affecting multiple customers in the immediate area.
“We currently have 35 customers out on the block that includes Cullman Tribune and the Stiefelmeyer Building,” Bright said. “There is a structure fire and we have it de-energized for safety. Power will be restored when possible.”
Cullman Police Chief Joey Duncan confirmed officers were assisting with securing the scene.
“Cullman PD has responded to secure the area for an active structure fire being handled by Cullman Fire Rescue at the Stiefelmeyer Building,” Duncan said. “Please avoid the area at this time.”
By mid-morning, crews were still working to access the source of the fire.
“They are still working to reach the source of the fire, which is expected to take some time,” Bright said.
“Fire crews are currently on the roof, cutting through with saws to access the area where they believe the fire originated. A lift has also been brought into the alley to assist with roof access.”
Bright said power restoration efforts remain delayed due to safety concerns.
“Due to the location of an overhead power line in that alley and the operation of the lift, it is not safe at this time to re-energize the line to restore power to surrounding customers,” Bright said. “The fire department will notify us once the fire is under control so we can assess and begin restoring power to customers who are able to receive service.”
Cullman City Council President Kim Hall said the loss extends beyond the structure itself, reflecting a deeper impact on the community and its history.
“Today, Cullman didn’t just lose a building. We lost a piece of our history that can’t be replaced,” Hall said. “What made this loss especially hard is that the building was one of the last remaining wooden commercial structures in the downtown area. While much of the city rebuilt in brick after early fires, this one endured. It carried with it the look, feel and craftsmanship of a much earlier time.”
Hall said the response from first responders and the community was significant.
“Our firefighters have battled this fire tirelessly throughout the day. Their commitment and resolve has been inspiring!” she said. “We are grateful for the work of Cullman Fire Rescue and the Cullman Police Department, Water Department, Sanitation, Cullman Power Board, neighboring agencies and for the generosity and concern shown by so many local citizens, businesses and organizations who stepped in to assist during the emergency response.”
Part of Cullman’s early downtown development
The Stiefelmeyer Building is located within one of the oldest developed sections of Cullman, an area shaped by the city’s early growth following its founding in the 1870s.
The current structure was constructed in 1892 after an earlier building on the site was destroyed by fire that same year. The original Stiefelmeyer business had opened in 1888, making the location one of the earlier established commercial sites in the city’s development.
Downtown Cullman transitioned from wood-frame construction to more permanent brick structures in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly after early fires influenced building practices. Many of the buildings still standing today reflect that shift.
The Stiefelmeyer Building remains one of those structures that has endured as part of the city’s historic streetscape.
Longstanding commercial presence
Over the years, the building has served as a commercial space, consistent with surrounding properties that have historically housed retail, offices and service-based businesses.
An expansion to the structure was completed around 1900, reflecting continued growth and use during Cullman’s early commercial development.
Its location along a primary corridor has kept it tied to daily activity in the downtown area, contributing to the continuity of Cullman’s business district.
While additional records regarding specific early tenants are still being reviewed, the building is recognized locally as part of Cullman’s older commercial inventory.
Continued use and preservation
Like many downtown buildings of its era, the structure has remained in use through ongoing maintenance and updates, allowing it to function in a modern capacity while retaining its historic exterior character.
Downtown Cullman’s identity continues to be shaped by these preserved structures, which reflect multiple generations of business and community activity.
Investigation ongoing
Officials have not released a cause of the fire, and the extent of damage has not yet been confirmed.
Bright said coordination is underway between city departments to evaluate restoring power to unaffected portions of the block.
“We’ve just talked with Brandon Lewis at the Building Department. He has requested a meeting with his department, the fire department and us (CPB) to evaluate where we are with possible power restoration to the unaffected parts of that block,” Bright said. “The meeting time has not been scheduled but my guess is it will most likely be first thing.”
Additional historical details about the building, including past tenants, are being reviewed through Tribune archives and Cullman County Museum records.
The building is located at the corner of First Avenue Southeast and Second Street Southeast.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Check www.CullmanTribune.com for the very latest.
