Firefighters from four area Lake County fire departments aided the Gary Fire Department in tackling a huge blaze that followed an explosion Thursday night at the Family Dollar, 1401 Massachusetts St.
After seeing the size and nature of the fire, Gary Fire Chief Larry Tillman requested help from Merrillville, Portage, Griffith, and Lake Ridge departments, according to a release. Two of the departments covered Gary fire calls while its firefighters battled the Family Dollar blaze.
Witnesses said the fire began about 6 p.m., while the store was still open. No injuries were reported.
Officials said the commercial business was declared unsafe about 9 p.m. and an emergency partial demolition was authorized because the explosion compromised the structural integrity of the building making it unsafe for emergency crews to enter.
The city called demolition contractor ARMOR D2, a Chicago-area firm, to manage the emergency demolition of the unstable exterior walls, which endangered neighboring residences to the east and threatened to fall into the street. ARMOR 2 has worked for the city’s Hardest Hit blight demolition program.
About midnight, ARMOR D2 workers began the demolition process, working in collaboration with the Gary Fire Department to address hazardous conditions.
Gary firefighters remained on site Friday morning, while the assisting fire companies were released. Gary firefighters monitored and extinguished hot spots after the demolition.
“I am incredibly proud of our firefighters and their exceptional performance during this incident. Their effective execution ensured the safety of our community, with no injuries reported,” said Tillman in the release.
“The seamless coordination with our mutual aid partners allowed us to efficiently contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. This operation showcases the importance of the training, skill, and resilience of our emergency response teams, highlighting their ability to manage complex situations under pressure,” he said.
Mayor Eddie Melton also praised Gary firefighters and those from neighboring communities who assisted the city.
“This incident highlights the importance of collaboration in times of crisis. We will continue to support the investigation and recovery efforts to ensure the well-being of our residents and businesses,” said Melton.
The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined. Gary is collaborating with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to investigate the cause of the fire.
Gary officials didn’t offer comment, but a representative who oversees the building told a Chicago TV reporter there’s also a furniture warehouse in the same building, but separated by a wall. The manager said the fire appears to have started in the warehouse before spreading into the Family Dollar.
Residents in the downtown area relied on the store for everyday supplies and food.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
