City of Hastings issued the following announcement on Mar. 14.
Four fire departments worked together to battle a fire in downtown Hastings that caused heavy damage to several businesses.
Hastings Fire and Rescue was called to 708 W. 2nd St. at 11:26 p.m. on Sunday evening. A smoke alarm in a nearby upstairs apartment alerted a tenant, who called 911 and reported that the awning of Bert’s Pharmacy was on fire. The tenant made it out safely.
When fire crews arrived, flames and smoke were visible from the awning and the wall of Bert’s Pharmacy. Firefighters from Hastings Rural, Juniata and Glenvil provided mutual aid.
The structure’s roof partially collapsed and the fire spread north to the Hastings Visitor Center, causing heavy damage. Businesses as far as three buildings to the west also sustained smoke damage.
“Hastings suffered a devastating loss to our downtown this morning and my prayers go out to the owners and employees of Bert's Pharmacy and surrounding businesses and organizations that were impacted,” Mayor Corey Stutte said. “I am thankful that everyone is safe and I'd like to thank Hastings Rural Fire Department, Juniata and Glenvil for responding to help Hastings Fire and Rescue while they battled this fire. While it is a sad day for our community, I'm confident that our citizens will rally to support those affected and Downtown Hastings will rebound and thrive for years to come.”
The Hastings Utilities Department temporarily disconnected utilities to a two-block area during the fire, and the fire was under control by 2:20 a.m. Adams County Emergency Management and the Hastings Police Department also assisted on scene.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and no injuries were reported.
The Street Department has blockades in place for Hastings Avenue from 3rd Street to 1st Street, and for 2nd Street from Lincoln Avenue to Denver Avenue. The blockades will remain in place until the structural integrity of the building can be determined. Drivers should plan their routes accordingly.
Original source can be found here.
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