When the first firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke inside of an eight-bay automobile service center. Crews had to force open a garage roll-up door to gain access to the building. It took crews from the Vinton, Mount Pleasant and a city station about 30 minutes to determine the fire was out and had not extended to the walls. The fire was contained to the oil furnace. There is no damage to the building other than the garage door that was forced open.
Fire investigators have determined that a component of the waste oil heater malfunctioned, sparking the fire. Damage estimates are dependent upon what specifically will need to be replaced on the heater.
A newspaper carrier delivering the morning paper noticed smoke and flames inside the building and called 9-1-1.
The service center was able to resume business today.