Abbotsford firefighters were called to Lou's Grill Thursday morning after the popular bar went up in flames.
The Gladys Avenue establishment, which has been operating in the city for 24 years, was fully engulfed when crews arrived around 6:30 a.m.
Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Adams said the gas meter was also on fire, hampering firefighters' ability to douse the flames.
"We weren't able to enter the building until we got the gas shut off, which delayed in getting the fire put out," Adams said.
A FortisBC crew eventually arrived at Lou's and was able to shut off the gas, but it took over half an hour.
It won't be clear just how much damage was done to the bar until it can be assessed by a fire investigator, but Adams said it appears extensive.
Few other details have been confirmed, including what caused the fire or if anyone was hurt.
