At approximately 4p.m. Saturday, local crews responded to the scene of a business fire at 120 E. Main Street, the former library building, just off the square in Washington. Smoke and flames could be seen coming from the roof of the building. Ladder trucks were deployed, some surrounding buildings were evacuated, and several blocks of the downtown area were closed off most of the evening. According to Washington Fire Chief Brendan DeLong, the building is owned by Greiner Buildings, and is adjacent to several others. Departments on scene were able to get the fire extinguished with no damage to surrounding structures. There were no injuries reported and the cause is under investigation.

Agencies on site included Washington Fire, Ainsworth Fire, Kalona Fire, Riverside Fire, Wayland Fire, Brighton Fire, Wellman Fire, Washington County Emergency Management, Washington Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Ambulance, Washington County 911 Communications, Alliant Energy and the City of Washington. KCII will bring you more information as it becomes official.