A conflagration tore through a storied structure at St. Joseph County Fairgrounds late Saturday afternoon, authorities confirmed. Known as "Barn Number 42," the blaze decimated the structure that was used for storage by community members and local businesses. As firefighters battled the inferno, it caused a temporary closure of roads in the vicinity and raised concerns about the historic fairgrounds' main events proceeding.
The fire, which erupted around 4 p.m., was fought tirelessly by a coalition of fire departments, according to the Sturgis Journal. Centreville Fire Chief Dave Miracle admitted to being initially overwhelmed but was relieved to find that only one structure was ablaze. His efforts to coordinate the response were complicated by strong winds that heartily worked to spread the flames, hinting at a tough battle against the destructive force. "It’s definitely not the biggest fire I’ve ever seen, nothing like when Graber Industries burned down two years ago... But this was still a good-sized building and truly a bit overwhelming at first," Miracle said, as per the Sturgis Journal.
While the flames did not result in any injuries, the sudden devastation brought forth a tide of uncertainty about future events, with the fairgrounds playing host to an array of community activities. Fair Board Director Mindy Timm reassured the public that the annual fair would proceed as planned, from September 15-21, albeit with a changed landscape. "The 2024 fair will go on... the landscape might look a little different for fair week. But, of course, the fair will go on and we will keep rolling with it," Timm affirmed, according to WWMT.
Local law enforcement was also present to aid the firefighting efforts and assist with traffic control. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman praised the collaborative efforts of the responding agencies, which included departments from Three Rivers, Fabius-Park, Mendon, Burr Oak, Colon, and Tri-Township. "The wind played a huge part in working against us today," Bingaman echoed the challenges highlighted by Chief Miracle as per a Sturgis Journal report.
There is yet no definitive answer as to the cause of the fire, but investigators planned to return to the scene to determine its origin. For now, the fairgrounds remain closed to the public as safety inspections are underway, reported WSBT 22. The site's electrical power was also shut down as a precautionary measure following the fire.
Despite the loss, the community seems determined to press forward, with optimism that the fairground, a hub of shared experiences and memories, will recover from this setback. "Hopefully they can get somebody to come in there and get it cleaned up and get it rebuilt... if not, we’ll just have one less merchant barn this year," expressed Miracle, showcasing a resilience that characterizes the local spirit, according to the Sturgis Journal. An upcoming recycling event remains on the schedule for next weekend, as the fairgrounds start the process of rising from the ashes.
