State Fire Marshal still determining cause of Tuesday’s fire

September 19, 2024 at 1:12 p.m.
The Corner Restaurant and The Finishing Touch were condemned and demolished after a fire broke out on Tuesday, Sept 10 at approximately 5 p.m.
The Corner Restaurant and The Finishing Touch were condemned and demolished after a fire broke out on Tuesday, Sept 10 at approximately 5 p.m. (photos by Darrin McGowan)


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. 


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. 


Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Pats downed by Indians in matinee
Union County’s homecoming was all set for Friday until Helene had different plans. Traces of the hurricane came to the area and postponed dozens of games around Indiana. The Patriots’ tilt with Union City was one of those and the two sides kicked off Saturday afternoon in misty conditions.

Gillman returns to state finals
Union County senior Peityn Gillman has done it once again.

Liberty Church Celebrates Monumental 200 Years of Service
This past Saturday, Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church celebrated 200 years!

Nasty weather can’t slow down Cats
GREENSBURG – The rain was coming down in sheets at times Friday night, thanks to traces of Hurricane Helene, but it wasn’t nearly enough to deter the Franklin County Wildcats from hanging a 17th-straight loss on the Greensburg Pirates.

Preserving history: Franklin Co. Historical Society presents program on Goodwin Family
The Franklin County Historical Society will present a program on the four generations of the Goodwin Family of Brookville who were instrumental in the founding of the Brookville Methodist Church, the Brookville Bank, the Brookville Telephone Co., the restoration of the Whitewater Canal, and the restoration of three historic churches and more.