Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Galveston Volunteer Fire Department
At approximately 8:13 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, Galveston Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a barn fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a 15,000 square foot commercial building (Maple Grove Distributing) with heavy smoke and flames visible. Our initial attack was entering through a side door and push the fire back, however due to flying debris and extreme heat, all personnel were ordered out of the building.
Chief 501 quickly requested manpower and water support from area departments. Firefighters from Carroll, Cass, Howard and Miami responded to the fire. Firefighters were on scene throughout the day, hitting hot spots and attempting to find the cause of the fire. Due to the size of the fire, firefighters were using public water supplies from Galveston and Kokomo to fill tankers.
Special thanks to Walton Mara Mart, Hard Chargers MC, Tark’s Pizza, Merrell Brothers, Country Lawn and Garden and our firefighters’ families for supporting us during this event. These local businesses and community members donated food, water, Gatorade, snacks and equipment during the event.
Also, we can’t say enough to Howard County EMA for providing rehab, water and air support during this event. HCEMA has been a lifesaver for GVFD and we can’t say thank you enough for your help.
Cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Indiana State Fire Marshal Office. If you have any information pertaining to the fire, please contact State Fire Investigator Kaleb Vonderwell at 1-800-382-4628.
Assisting agencies: Carroll County – Burlington Fire, Flora Fire, Cass County – Cass Co EMS, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Clymers Fire, Logansport Fire, New Waverly Fire, Walton Fire, Young America Fire, Howard County – Greentown Fire, Harrison Twp Fire, Howard County EMA, Kokomo Fire, Russiaville Fire, Taylor Twp Fire, Miami County- Amboy Fire, Converse Fire, Denver Fire, Grissom Fire, Peru Fire and Pipe Creek Fire, Indiana State Fire Marshal Office.
SOURCE: News release from Galveston Volunteer Fire Department
