An early Monday blaze at a truck stop on Seymour’s far east side caused an estimated $2 million in damage.
The fire destroyed a portion of the western side TravelCenters of America at 2636 E. Tipton St. at 2:05 a.m. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished in about 30 minutes by Seymour firefighters from all three stations.
Fire Chief Brad Lucas said firefighters were able to contain the fire, limiting damage to just the building’s west side, but heavy smoke damage was found throughout the building.
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Lucas said an exact cause could not be pinpointed due to extensive damage; however, investigators believe it could have been caused by an electrical issue.
Lucas said the building’s electrical system was heavily damaged along with the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, a walk-in cooler and the rooms that housed them.
An investigator with the Indiana Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to assist with the investigation, Lucas said.
Allen Blann, an employee of the establishment who was working at the time of the fire, took to Facebook to express gratitude for the department’s response, saying, “A great big thank you for all that you did and the fire department. What great work you all did in containing this fire and escorting employees back into the building to get their things after it was out. Much appreciated.”
Lucas said eight off-duty firefighters were called to be available in case of another fire run.
The truck stop has been a TravelCenters of America since about 2000. Prior to that time, it had been a Truck Stops of America location since May 1989. It began as Boron Stop 50 in November 1967.