Letter to the Editor

Bennett discusses Saturday's fire

Sunday, June 15, 2014

To the editor:

On Saturday, June 14, we were dispatched to a large structure fire at 553 E US Hwy 40 -- the location of Highway 40 Furniture Mart.

The 41,000 square foot building also housed Pell Roofing and Siding and Shear One Beauty Salon at its southern most end.

The plume of smoke from the fire could be seen clearly for miles in adjoining counties. The building once known as the original Pell's Bargain Mart was completely destroyed by day's end. The Pell family has been witnesses­­­­ to the major destruction of fire to their businesses twice in the last 19 years.

I want to acknowledge our city's firefighters for their quick response, hard work and effort and recognize Chief Clint McQueen and the Brazil City Police Department and the Clay County Sheriff's Department for their help with traffic control and keeping the scene secure.

Recognition needs to be given to Van Buren Township Fire Chief Tod Haring, Posey Township Fire Chief Larry Temple, Greencastle Fire Chief Bill Nugent, and all the responding members of the Van Buren Township, Posey Township, Dick Johnson Township, Greencastle, Poland and Reelsville fire departments, Clay County Search and Rescue, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Haz Mat Specialist Stan Capobianco, and Trans Care Ambulance.

This incident, located just outside the city limits inside Van Buren Township, was obviously a difficult fire to contain and required the mutual assistance of the men and women and resources of these townships, city and Putnam County departments and several emergency service personnel.

Thankfully, no injuries occurred. Throughout the day the community's outpouring of support was overwhelming. Several local businesses, private citizens, family and friends and the Brazil Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary brought firefighters water and food and kept all of us in their thoughts into the night. The ability our community has to pull together and consider others is something to take note of. Those working at the scene appreciated these acts of kindness and support more than you will ever know.

In addition, keep in mind those small business owners like David Rooksberry, and Brad Pell and the Pell Family who have suffered a loss at the result of this fire.

On behalf of myself and the Brazil Fire Department, I want to issue a sincere thank you.

Jake Bennett

Brazil Fire Chief