Riverside Fire Department’s ladder truck was used to help extinguish the fire. Photo by KCII Staff.

The State Fire Marshal is assisting in the investigation for the fire that broke out at the Kalona Bakery Saturday evening. At 7:49 p.m., the Washington County Communications department received a call of smoke coming from the bakery and a fire in the back of the building. As KCII News reported live from the scene, two ladder trucks were used to fight the flames. Kalona, Riverside, Wellman and Washington fire departments were on scene, as well as Kalona QRS, Washington County Sheriff’s personnel, Washington County Ambulance and Alliant Energy.

While crews worked to extinguish the fire, people were advised to avoid a two-block radius.

According to the Kalona Bakery is closed at this time. Also, Kalona Chocolates, which adjoins the bakery, is closed until further notice to clean smoke damage and replace inventory.