Sunday, April 12, 2009
Firefighters are battling a blaze that is consuming at least one building on Lincoln Way East in downtown Massillon. Several firefighters from the Massillon and Perry departments reportedly were injured by a backdraft that occurred as they forced their way inside a building. One Firefighter was taken to a hospital and others were being treated in ambulances at the scene.
Mike Loudiana, Massillon service and safety director, said he was concerned about the possibility of the collapse of one or more buildings.
He said the fire apparently started in the front basement of Engravers Gallery & Signs at 20 Lincoln Way E. For the first two hours, there were no visible flames coming out of the buildings, though black smoke was pouring out. Around 7:15 p.m., flames suddenly erupted out of the front of the Engravers storefront.
Officials have blocked off Lincoln Way and Erie Avenue from First Street Northwest clear to Third Street Northeast. A portion of Federal Street, which is behind the complex of buildings, has also been blocked. Hundreds of passersby have stopped to watch.
Massillon police said the fire was called in at 5:20 p.m. and that Massillon and Jackson, Perry, Canton and Bethlehem townships have responded.
The two- and three-story buildings have businesses on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors. All residents and their pets reportedly escaped without injury.
The main building affected is the three-story one housing the Engravers Gallery, owned by Bonnie and Mike Fall.
Other businesses on the block include the Dutton Agency; Wings, Wheels & Waves; C.J. Duncan Jewelers; Quickprint Center; and A Victorian Reflection, an antiques, flowers and gifts store.
The Quickprint Center and A Victorian Reflection businesses do not appear to be involved in the fire at this point, but they are attached to other businesses in the same building.
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