Published: May 10, 2008 11:48 pm      

Fire destroys Peru store

PERU — Firefighters from four fire departments responded Saturday to a fire that engulfed Grant Home Furnishings in downtown Peru.

Smoke poured out of the building, as approximately 40 firefighters fought to extinguish the blaze.

The roof of the building was consumed and the windows in the second story, where store owners David and Heather Grant live along with their three children and three dogs, were shattered.

The family was not home at the time the fire started, and no one was injured.

The 911 dispatch center in Miami County received several calls shortly after the 160 N. Broadway St. store closed at 5 p.m. Callers said smoke was seen coming from the top of the building, according to Peru Officer Jay Richardson.

Peru Fire Department Capt. Robert Daine said the building was likely a total loss, but would not release additional details until the fire was completely out and the building could be inspected.

Peru Police Chief Bill Raber said that while the cause was unknown, he believed it could have started in the basement. The fire is still under investigation.

The Peru Circus Center Arena, which shares a wall with the furniture store, also was damaged as a result of the fire. Raber said that and other neighboring buildings will have to be inspected to determine the full extent of the damage and whether they are safe to reopen.

“Anytime you have a fire in the business district, it’s serious,” he said. “There’s a fear of collapse of the building. Also, there has to be consideration of smoke and water damage, and safety concern of nearby buildings.”

Four engines and two ladder trucks were on scene. Grissom, Pipe Creek and New Waverly fire departments were all on scene. Several other fire departments were also called to stand by if needed.

It took firefighters until nearly 8 p.m. to knock down the flames and were on scene until late into the night.

American Red Cross volunteers brought food and water for firefighters and the family.

Mitch Figert, executive director for Wabash and Miami County Red Cross, said the building was engulfed in flames when he arrived.

“There were flames probably 6 to 8 feet above the building,” he said.

Hundreds of people lined the roadway to watch the scene play out.

Several board members from the Circus City Festival were also among the onlookers and were told by fire officials that the north wall of the building was damaged.

Board member Mark Hall also said that several circus banners had burnt, but they were waiting until it was safe to enter the building to assess the rest of the damage.

“They’ve been there forever,” he said about the banners. “They are irreplaceable.”