Fire Destroys Union City Business

(Newschannel 3)Union City, Mi-

Three local businesses were destroyed by fire early Sunday morning in Union City.

Fire officials on scene told News Channel 3 the fire began shortly after 5:30 in the basement area of a local thrift store and quickly spread to two adjacent buildings destroying the thrift store, a local dance studio and eatery.

Crews from seven different fire departments including Coldwater, Bronson, Burlington, and Athens were called in to help get the blaze under control.

"This is one of the largest fires that struck us in twenty years," said Union City Fire Chief Dave Huges.

Eyewitnesses said the smoke was so intense at times the down town area was covered in a blanket of smoke.

"When we got here you couldn't even see the buildings," said Jerri Ladd Co-owner of the Broadway Grill.

Ladd added her business was just a few doors down from the blaze but still received considerable smoke and water damage.

"The basement has about four feet of water in it," she said.

The Union City Grill on the end of the block was one of the businesses worst hit. Fire Departments spent nearly two hours trying to knock down the blaze that destroyed the building's first and second floor.

Union City Manager Kevin Coonce was able to survey the damage after the fire was put out.

"We can see the stars, the dining room is under half an inch of water." But added the restaurant in the short term has been put out of commission, "We are wiped out. It's going to take a considerable abount of time for rebuilding."

As far as the structure integrity of the buildings, fire officials have not determined whether they will have to be razed but said "looking at a few of the buildings so far they are beyond repair," said Chief Huges.

Still several businesses including the Union City Grill that was destoyed by Sunday morning's fire are committed to remain in business, "Absolutely, we love Union City and here to stay," said Coonce.

The State Fire Marshal has been called to investigate the cause of the fire and is expected to arrive on Monday.

The exact cause of the fire has not been determined.