Crews battle large fire at lumber company

NOBLE COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) - Fire crews spent several hours early Tuesday morning battling a large fire at Frick Lumber Company, Inc.

Photos: Frick Lumber Company Fire

Fire officials said it started just before midnight on U.S. 6 near State Road 9.

A passing motorist noticed flames coming from the roof and called police.

Crews were on the scene within three minutes and found a building on the property fully engulfed. The roof had already collapsed.

Every fire department in Noble County responded to help fight the fire. A tower truck from Kendallville and three departments from outside the county were also called to help.

Firefighters were able to keep the flames from reaching other buildings and several propane tanks nearby.

"It's just filled with lumber, " said Jim Abbs, the Public Information Officer for Orange Township and Rome City. "It'll probably be burning the rest of the night and into the morning. We were able to get one of the payloaders from the lumber yard to try to collapse the building inward to help us get better control of it."

U.S. 6 was closed for several hours while crews fought the blaze.  It was reopened around 6:45 a.m.

Once the fire is completely out, officials will be able to start an investigation.

WANE received multiple Report !t photos from viewers on the fire that were used in the photo gallery and on air. Remember, if you see news, Report !t!