SYRACUSE – Fire and smoke caused about a half million dollars in damage to Pete’s Fabulous Fish in Syracuse Wednesday morning. According to a press release from the Turkey Creek Fire Territory, at 2:38 a.m. Wednesday, the fire territory responded to a report of black smoke coming from the north door of the rear of the building at 1206 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. The Kosciusko County Communications Center reportedly received notification by a passerby. Fire officials arrived on the scene at 2:39 a.m. with heavy smoke noted to be coming from the entire roof of the structure and no visible flames through the roof. The North Webster and Milford fire departments were dispatched for automatic mutual aid with tankers from both departments. Fire Chief Mickey Scott requested additional manpower from the North Webster Fire Dept. at 2:44 a.m. An offensive fire attack was initiated by firefighters and flames were noted in the kitchen and attic area of the structure. No occupants were noted inside the structure. The fire was brought under control by firefighters at 3:29 a.m. There was extensive heat and smoke damage throughout the building, along with the damage from the fire itself. Scott requested a response to the scene by the Kosciusko County Squad 70 Investigation Team in order to determine the cause and origin of the fire at 3:33 a.m. Scott also requested notification of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau through the Communications Center at 3:50 a.m., and ATF was notified of the incident. At this time, the cause of the fire is undetermined. Owners of the business are listed through the Kosciusko County Assessor’s Office as Jeffrey C. and Debra S. Turner, along with Donald L. Nyce. The assessed valuation of the structure is $297,600. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at between $150,000 and $200,000.Indiana 13 was closed briefly, and vehicle traffic was detoured around the area by the Indiana Department of Transportation while firefighting operations were in progress due to usage of fire hydrants along Ind. 13 on both sides of the roadway near the scene. The Turkey Creek Fire Territory also was assisted at the scene by the Syracuse Police Department and the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported at the scene.
