Indiana State Fire Marshall releases investigation information on downtown Rushville fire

The Indiana State Fire Marshall has released information on its investigation into the Sept. 10 fire in downtown Rushville.

The Rushville Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire at 250 N. Main St. at approximately 5:07 p.m. on Sept. 10. Upon arrival, the fire department found heavy smoke and flame coming from the northeast corner of the kitchen area of the Corner Restaurant.

The initial attack knocked down the fire in the kitchen area but the fire spread into several concealed spaces and into the attic of the building. The attic was a common space shared by two businesses and heavy fire spread through to the adjoining building which resulted in the roof collapse of both structures.

After two days of investigation and several days of interviews, the Indiana State Fire Marshall investigator released the following conclusion:

“Based on evidence gathered as a result of this investigation the area of the fire origin is the area between the three-basin sink and an upright freezer located along the south wall of the kitchen for the restaurant on the first floor of 250 North Main Street. A trash can was located in the area of fire origin. Within the trash can multiple discarded cigarette butts were found. Ignition of combustible material by smoking material possibly discarded in the trash can was not eliminated as the cause of the fire.”

Twelve fire departments responded to the fire with 35 apparatus and 107 personnel. One firefighter was treated for a wrist injury and one paramedic was treated for smoke inhalation. Both were transported to the local hospital and later released.

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