South Bend Fire Department provides update into commercial fire

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The South Bend Fire Department said in a press release that the commercial fire on Franklin Street caused severe and unsalvageable damage to the property.

The single, u-shaped building served as a storage sublet for appliances and mattresses.

Officials say that the building is a total loss. Three vehicles -- and everything inside of the building -- were also lost.

The building that first caught fire was formerly a factory occupied by a tire business.

David Warui, who stored property inside of the building, says that fire has affected him significantly.

“The thing is, just pray for me, because at this moment, fifty percent of my business has gone down in the fire,” Warui said.

No one was inside the building during the fire, and an investigation is underway.

One Firefighter was treated on scene for minor injuries.