COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Family Dental Center, 901 Third St., was heavily damaged by a fire reported at about 3:48 a.m. Tuesday.
When Columbus firefighters and police arrived at the scene, fire was found coming through the roof, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
Firefighters entered the business to attack the flames but conditions on the interior deteriorated, Wilson said.
Also experiencing fire hydrant pressure fluctuations, crews were forced to pull out of the building where a defensive fire attack was initiated. With heavy fire gaining ground in the attic space of the building, firefighters set up two master streams from the Columbus Fire and Columbus Township Fire Department aerial trucks, Wilson said. The elevated water streams operated for approximately 1 hour before the fire was marked under control. Much of the roof structure was destroyed during the fire fight. With the fire under control, firefighters on the exterior of the building continue to apply water to visible hot spots.
As firefighting efforts were underway, the business owners arrived on scene and spoke to investigators. Dr. Laura Bracken- DDS told investigators that the business has operated for approximately 20 years in the current location. The cause of the fire in currently under investigation. Damages to the building were extensive. No damage estimate was provided at this time.
Due to the presence of emergency apparatus near the incident.
Columbus Police said Third Street is closed from Central Avenue to Lafayette Avenue due to the fire and asked motorists to avoid the area if possible this morning.
No injuries were reported.
Agencies that assisted at the scene include Columbus Township Fire and Rescue, Columbus Police Department, Center Point Energy, Duke Energy and Columbus City Utilities.
