Update (9:10 a.m.)
A quick response by firefighters limited damage to just the playground area, Batesville Fire Chief Todd Schutte says.
The fire department was on the scene within one minute of the call that came in at 4:11 p.m.
Schutte told us there is an explanation for the heavy black smoke that loomed over downtown.
“[Rubber tires] and the playground equipment is all plastic and rubber coated, that’s why you saw all that black smoke. The vinyl fence is all plastic. Basically solid gas is what it is,” Fire Chief Schutte said.
Batesville firefighters were spraying the fire with water within three minutes of the call and the blaze was extinguished thirty seconds later, the fire chief added.
Morris Volunteer Fire Department and Oldenburg Eagle Fire assisted with emergency efforts. The state fire marshal also responded to the scene Sunday night.
There were no injuries and the fire remains under investigation.
Update (Monday @ 7:05 a.m.)
A fire at the Safe Passage building in Batesville remains under investigation this morning.
No one was hurt in the blaze that devastated the playground area behind the building Sunday afternoon.
Batesville Fire was dispatched around 4:10 p.m. and Morris Volunteer Fire Department provided additional support.
After learning of the fire, some community members were generous enough to donate money to the non-profit organization so the residents could have dinner Sunday.
St. Johns United Church of Christ Pastor Dave Johnston also stopped in to offer a lending hand to the non-profit organization.
WRBI has been tracking this story and will release any new details when we receive them.
First Report (Sunday @ 5:00 p.m.)
BATESVILLE – Firefighters are on the scene of a blaze in downtown Batesville Sunday afternoon.
We’re told emergency personnel were evacuating residents from Safe Passage while smoke was rolling from the playground area.
This story is still developing and no word if there are any injuries.
Stay tuned to WRBI and wrbiradio.com for continuing coverage as we expect more details to come.
