An overnight blaze in Coldwater has left a vacant building in ruins, as local authorities investigate the fire as an act of arson. The structure, previously used as a stockyard, was located at 100 Industrial Ave., near Jay Street. The Coldwater Public Safety department said that a patrolling officer discovered the fire and immediately called it in, but despite rapid response from the fire department, the building was deemed a total loss.
According to WOODTV, Coldwater Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz indicated that "The old wooden structure, combined with the flammable liquids, caused the fire to spread quickly." These conditions contributed to the intense fire, which consumed the building that was being used to store equipment and motor oil.
The incident is one among several recent acts of vandalism in the area. Officials urge the public to report any suspicious activity to 911, and anyone with information specifically about the fire to contact the Coldwater Police Department at (517) 278-4525. This statement was echoed in coverage by WWMT, reinforcing the department's request for community assistance in the investigation.
Firefighters from the Quincy Fire Department, along with support from Lifecare Ambulance and the Coldwater Department of Municipal Services, were on the scene until the late morning extinguishing the remains of the fire, as reported by The Daily Reporter. Although only an the sheet metal stockyard building was affected, the heat of the blaze did not damage the adjacent vacant warehouses or the truck repair center.
As the search for the arsonist continues, Coldwater Public Safety Director Joe Scheid appeals to anyone with insights about this incident to come forward.
