Karl Swoyer, Winchester, right, stands outside of what remains of a building he owns on the north side of Oskaloosa's downtown square Thursday afternoon. The building, which housed two businesses, caught fire late Wednesday night. No injuries were reported.

Oskaloosa ? A building that served as a livery and stable at least 100 years ago was destroyed by fire early Thursday in downtown Oskaloosa.

“When we got there, it was in the attic and just starting to go through the roof,” Oskaloosa Fire Chief Daryl Chess said.

The fire was discovered shortly before midnight Wednesday by a Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy on patrol, Sheriff’s Lt. Rick Jones said.

“We’ve got severe damage anyway, but that probably saved a lot more property from damage,” Jones said.

The building was in the center of the block on the north side of the square, across from the Jefferson County Courthouse. It is owned by Karl Swoyer. Two businesses were in the building: Pia Friends Realty and His and Her Hair Styling.

Firefighters from several surrounding departments were called to help, Chess said, and about 30 volunteer firefighters fought the blaze.

“We went into a protection and containing mode, and the fire didn’t get to the other structures,” Chess said.

The fire never got to the ground floor, but the building’s roof collapsed, he said.

The fire was caused by an electrical problem, Chess said.

The fire was under control by 3:30 a.m. and extinguished by 4 a.m., he said. The last firefighters left the scene about 6 a.m.

Chess was hesitant to estimate the amount of damage to the building but said it was destroyed and must be torn down.

City workers were able to clean the street, and businesses surrounding the burned building were able to open.

“I think our department pulled together and worked well as a team,” Chess said.