Departments battle structure fire in downtown Fowler

FOWLER - Multiple fire departments spent hours battling a structure fire Saturday in downtown Fowler. 

Verne Feldpausch, fire chief with the Dallas Township/Fowler Fire Department, said the department was called at about 10:30 a.m. for a structure fire. 

Fire officials were seen spraying water into a two-story building just north of the intersection of 2nd and Main streets several hours after the initial call came in. Main Street was closed down between 3rd Street and West Clinton Street as a dozen department vehicles, including several water tankers, maneuvered to combat the blaze.

As of 4 p.m. Saturday, smoke was still seen coming from the building, which houses Becker's Bridal Mother's Studio and The Kandle Shack. 

The businesses were open when the fire occurred, but everyone managed to get out safely and no one was injured, Feldpausch said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Feldpausch said the building is likely a complete loss due to heavy smoke and fire damage.

Ionia, St. Johns, Dallas Township/Fowler, DeWitt and Maple Rapids departments responded to the fire, with at least two dozen firefighters on scene. The departments plan to be there the rest of the day. 

Ionia Fire Department posted on Facebook that it was assisting with the fire and shared photos. Miller's Tavern also shared photos from the scene Saturday on Facebook.