Local business owners are reacting following the Saturday morning fire in downtown Butler.
The fire significantly damaged the Sir Speedy building in the 200 block of South Main Street. Our newsroom talked with neighboring business owner Jeff Geibel of Edward Jones about how he found out about the fire.
“Saturday morning, I was at home. Somebody who responded to the fire from Herman VFD actually knocked on my door,” Geibel said. “We got to town in a hurry but the fire was already well in progress when I arrived.”
Saturday’s fire also damaged several other Main Street businesses with water and smoke including Reclamation Brewing owned by Butler City Mayor Ben Smith.
“We’re still assessing all the damage,” Smith said. “The roof of our building [firefighters] cut holes in for venting, so any water was there got into our area on the first floor and the lower area. Not exactly sure what that damage is but it’s fairly substantial.”
“Smoke obviously pretty much looks or smells like it has smoke or soot on it,” Smith added.
Nearby business owner Jimmy Chiprean of Miller’s Shoes recalls a fire from years ago but notes that advances have been made in recovery.
“We did have a fire in 1980. It was a small fire in the second and third floor of the unit that they pumped a lot of water in,” Chiprean said. “What they did 41 years ago was amazing, but this was on top of everything. They brought in teams; I bet there’s 20 people in the store right now just moving stuff trying to get that smoke out.”
Fire marshals were expected on scene Tuesday to investigate the cause of the fire. The sidewalk in front of the businesses remains closed.
Listen to Tracey Morgan interview local business owners.
Ben Smith of Reclamation Brewing.
Jeff Geibel of Edward Jones
Jimmy Chiprean of Miller’s Shoes
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