UPDATE: Milan Warehouse Fire Was Accidental

Firefighters on the scene of a fire at the old Mint Assembly factory in Milan on Friday, February 1.

submitted by Thomas Gallagher

Update posted at 11:47 a.m.:

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s was on scene Monday and helped determine that the cause of the fire was accidental.

It was sparked by an electric extension cord which was the wrong gauge for its use, said Milan Fire Department Lt. Mike Alloway.

Original story posted at 10:38 a.m.:

(Milan, Ind.) – The Milan Fire Department is working with the Indiana State Fire Marshal to determine the cause of a large fire that occurred Friday.

It was about 4:00 p.m. when smoke was seen emanating from the former Mint Assembly factory building on Main Street. Milan Fire Department Lieutenant Mike Alloway said firefighters remained on scene until about 11:00 p.m. extinguishing the blaze and cleaning up.

Nobody was injured in the fire. Firefighters did have to be mindful of icy conditions on the scene from the water being poured on the flames freezing. The Town of Milan assisted with pouring salt at the scene, which reduced the risk of firefighters slipping on ice, Allloway said.

Although the old factory building is still standing, Alloway said most of everything inside was destroyed. The building was being used as storage. A dollar estimate on the damage has not yet been determined.

Still also to be determined is what touched off the fire. The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is expected to be on the scene Monday to assist with the investigation.

Milan Fire Department was assisted at the scene by firefighters from Moores Hill, Delaware Township, Dillsboro, and Aurora. Rescue 30 was also there.

LINKS:

Old Building On Fire In Milan