February 26, 2004

White River Township auto body shop suffers minor fire damage

       An electrical fire caused a brief scare Wednesday at a White River Township auto body shop, but firefighters extinguished the blaze quickly and with minimal damage.  Smith Valley Road was closed for about 20 minutes as the township fire department ran hoses to Walters Body Shop, 4809 W. Smith Valley Road.  Workers called 911 about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday after an electric heating unit spouted a ball of flame, Battalion  Chief Don Young said.  Coincidentally, one of the department's engine crews was driving by, noticed smoke and was turning around to investigate just as the alarm was sounded.  "We were here in under 30 seconds," Young said.  Firefighters from Greenwood and Bargersville also came to the scene, and Johnson County sheriff's deputies directed traffic.  Owner Dwayne Walters said his employees quickly moved equipment and customers' cars away from the fire.  However, the incident occurred in an area used for washing cars, so even the water damage was minimal.  Young estimated the damage at $5,000, but Walters said he saw no significant damage at first glance.   (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)

           
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