Decades-Old Hank Dietle's Tavern Destroyed By Fire

(Updated at 10:05 a.m. Wednesday): ROCKVILLE, MD — The oldest bar in Rockville was destroyed by a fire early Wednesday morning, officials said.

Montgomery County firefighters responded to the blaze at Hank Dietle's Tavern on Rockville Pike at about 3 a.m., spokesperson Pete Piringer said.

Investigators believe the fire was accidental and started by discarded smoking materials on the front porch.

A passerby saw the blaze and called 911, Piringer said. About 65 firefighters responded to the scene at 11010 Rockville Pike and put out the fire in about 15 minutes.

Piringer said the damages are estimated at around $500,000.

The building has been in Rockville since 1916 and first housed a general store, while the bar first opened in the 1950s, according to the website.

"A lot of people around this whole area have a lot many memories through the years, A lot of people come through," Hank Dietle's Tavern owner Tony Huniak told FOX 5. "I could use all the help I can get now. It's going to take a lot of money to rebuild."

No injuries were reported.

Photos via Pete Piringer