Sat Jul 04 2009
By BECKY MARTINEZ
WAUSEON -- Firefighters are still at the scene of a fire which destroyed half a city block here early Saturday.
Four buildings from Fulton Street around the corner to Elm Street were completely destroyed.
Wauseon Fire Chief Marv Wheeler reported that the initial fire started at Doc Holidays (a restaurant) and spread from there. Other business lost were Shaws Clothing, Galipolis Photography, JMW Computers, THE (a therapy/coffee shop), and Wells Bowen Realty.
According to the Fulton County Sheriff"s Office, Wauseon firefighters were called to the scene at 2:02 a.m. Saturday. Wheeler said they were expecting to keep an apparatus and crews at the scene throughout Saturday evening into today to extinguish any hot spots.
"Approximately 3,000,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the fire," said Wheeler. "We called people from all over to assist." He"s estimating about 25 fire departments from 15 communities were called in to assist. These included the Defiance, Ney and Jewell fire departments. South Richland was on standby for Tiffin Township and Jewell.
Mayor Jerry Dehnbostel said most of the buildings that were destroyed were more than 100 years old.
Joe Allen, a history teacher at Wauseon Middle School and a track coach, said, "Those buildings have been here for over a hundred years. We were heading out for a track meet at about 9 (a.m.) and saw Jewell and Ney heading in. All I saw was smoke, but I heard from other people that flames were pretty visible earlier in the morning."
Along with the buildings completely destroyed, "Several other buildings on the block have suffered water damage," said Allen.
Wheeler said the state fire marshall was at the scene Saturday and will return this morning. It is believed investigation into what caused the fire will be lengthy. No dollar amount has been set but is believed to be significant.
Reportedly two firefighters were treated for minor injuries. No civilians were hurt.
Wauseon"s downtown has been hit by fire before but nothing quite so big.
On June 28, 2, the Arcade building, 118 N. Fulton St., suffered an estimated $1 million loss and two people were killed. The fire was allegedly started by an intoxicated man who tried to cook.
On July 14, 5, the Clermont Manor Apartments, 124 Depot St., were destroyed by fire.
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