State Fire Marshal still determining cause of Tuesday’s fire
September 19, 2024 at 1:12 p.m.
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Rushville community was shocked by a devastating incident when a fire broke out in the historic building housing the Corner Restaurant on Main Street. The emergency call was received at approximately 5:07 p.m., prompting responses from numerous local fire departments and over 100 emergency personnel. Despite their efforts, the fire spread to the adjacent building housing the Finishing Touch. Both buildings were condemned by the city and subsequently torn down. Additionally, the Brick House Studio sustained smoke and water damage, while the food pantry located behind the restaurant also suffered from smoke damage. However, EMA Director Chuck Kemker said the fire’s impact extended beyond the Corner Restaurant’s immediate vicinity.
“Almost all the buildings downtown caught some smoke damage,” Kemker said. “At one point, at Third and Main, you could stand in the middle of the street in daylight, and you couldn’t see your hands.”
Two firefighters suffered from minor injuries. State Fire Marshal David Hosick stated, “The Rushville fire remains under investigation, although no foul play is expected at this time. State Fire Mashal investigators continue to gather and analyze information on the cause and origin.”
The following fire departments provided assistance:
Rushville
Rushville Township
Raleigh
Posey Township
Glenwood
Anderson Township
Manilla
Morristown
Greensburg
Laurel
Dunreith
Bentonville
Additional support throughout the night came from:
Rushville Police Department
Rushville Street Department
Rush County Sheriff’s Department
Rush County Emergency Management (along with CERT)
Rushville Code Enforcement
Indiana State Fire Marshal
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the City of Rushville shared on its Facebook page, “Our community came together last night in a way that would make any city proud. Many non-first responders stepped up as unsung heroes, with citizens dropping off countless cases of water, simply wanting to help. Local businesses also pitched in, offering ice water and donating much needed food to sustain the firefighters working through the night.
Today, as we observe Patriot Day, we offer a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our first responders. This day holds special meaning for our nation as we reflect on the values of freedom and unity, and Rushville is no exception. We are immensely grateful for the support and bravery shown last night as crews worked to control the fire.”
Main Street was closed on Tuesday and remained closed until both buildings were demolished. By Saturday, no remnants of the Corner Restaurant or The Finishing Touch buildings existed.
On Sept. 16, a meeting of the Unsafe Hearing Board was scheduled to discuss a plan to move the project forward, a restoration plan, a timeline, and a capital plan.
At this time, the owner of The Finishing Touch, William Cook, is waiting for more details in order to determine his next steps. Cook was able to remove four U-Haul truck loads of inventory that was not damaged as a result of the fire.
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On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Rushville community was shocked by a devastating incident when a fire broke out in the historic building housing the Corner Restaurant on Main Street. The emergency call was received at approximately 5:07 p.m., prompting responses from numerous local fire departments and over 100 emergency personnel. Despite their efforts, the fire spread to the adjacent building housing the Finishing Touch. Both buildings were condemned by the city and subsequently torn down. Additionally, the Brick House Studio sustained smoke and water damage, while the food pantry located behind the restaurant also suffered from smoke damage. However, EMA Director Chuck Kemker said the fire’s impact extended beyond the Corner Restaurant’s immediate vicinity.
“Almost all the buildings downtown caught some smoke damage,” Kemker said. “At one point, at Third and Main, you could stand in the middle of the street in daylight, and you couldn’t see your hands.”
Two firefighters suffered from minor injuries. State Fire Marshal David Hosick stated, “The Rushville fire remains under investigation, although no foul play is expected at this time. State Fire Mashal investigators continue to gather and analyze information on the cause and origin.”
The following fire departments provided assistance:
Rushville
Rushville Township
Raleigh
Posey Township
Glenwood
Anderson Township
Manilla
Morristown
Greensburg
Laurel
Dunreith
Bentonville
Additional support throughout the night came from:
Rushville Police Department
Rushville Street Department
Rush County Sheriff’s Department
Rush County Emergency Management (along with CERT)
Rushville Code Enforcement
Indiana State Fire Marshal
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the City of Rushville shared on its Facebook page, “Our community came together last night in a way that would make any city proud. Many non-first responders stepped up as unsung heroes, with citizens dropping off countless cases of water, simply wanting to help. Local businesses also pitched in, offering ice water and donating much needed food to sustain the firefighters working through the night.
Today, as we observe Patriot Day, we offer a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our first responders. This day holds special meaning for our nation as we reflect on the values of freedom and unity, and Rushville is no exception. We are immensely grateful for the support and bravery shown last night as crews worked to control the fire.”
Main Street was closed on Tuesday and remained closed until both buildings were demolished. By Saturday, no remnants of the Corner Restaurant or The Finishing Touch buildings existed.
On Sept. 16, a meeting of the Unsafe Hearing Board was scheduled to discuss a plan to move the project forward, a restoration plan, a timeline, and a capital plan.
At this time, the owner of The Finishing Touch, William Cook, is waiting for more details in order to determine his next steps. Cook was able to remove four U-Haul truck loads of inventory that was not damaged as a result of the fire.