UPDATE: Tobacco Store Destroyed In Fire
Warsaw Fire Department was called to Cigarettes Plus, a business on North Lake Street, Warsaw, at 3:38 a.m. Sunday. Minutes after their arrival, the building became engulfed in flames.
Warsaw Fire Department was first called to investigate smoke at Cigarettes Plus, 853 N. Lake St. Upon arrival, WFD called for tanker and manpower assist from Winona Lake, North Webster, Claypool, Pierceton, Leesburg and Atwood fire departments.
The Indiana State Fire Marshall arrived on scene at about 9 a.m. this morning to investigate a cause for the blaze.
The fire destroyed the cigarette business and also affected the other businesses in the building including Avilas, which is a specialty grocery store, and Hayden’s laundromat. The building is owned by Wade Frauhiger.
Firefighters were on scene until 10:36 a.m. The American Red Cross of Kosciusko County provided a canteen for the fire fighters.
Warsaw Fire Department Battalion Chief Aaron Bolinger said this morning the tobacco store is a total loss, as are the contents of Avilas grocery store. However, Bolinger noted the grocery store itself was not a loss, and the laundromat sustained minimal smoke damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Bolinger was not yet able to provide an estimate of damages.