Bloomington, IL, May 25, 2005 -- An arson fire destroyed a 125-year-old, four-story, vacant former candy factory. Firefighters were initially hampered by water-supply issues and rapid fire spread due to the building's age and construction. Early recognition of the magnitude of the fire led command to call for additional resources early.
Built in 1870 for the Bloomington Manufacturing Company of heavy timber and brick with a flat built-up roof, it was used for making carriages and other products. In 1890, the building was purchased by M.S. Hershey and occupied by the Lancaster Caramel Company. In 1900, the Beich-Buffe Candy Company occupied the building; in 1903, it became the Paul F. Beich Company. Beich used it as a candy factory until 1973. The 170,000-square-foot building was used for storage until 2001. It had been vacant for several years and was slated for demolition.
The Bloomington Fire Department was dispatched at 4:35 P.M. Engines 1, 4 and 5 responded with nine firefighters under the command of Acting Assistant Chief Jim Tatman. Engine 1 found fire coming from one window and smoke issuing from several other windows on the first floor. Engine 1 advanced a 1.5-inch line into the first-floor office area. Lieutenant Dave Burke advised Tatman that the fire was more advanced than was visible from the outside and was spreading through the first floor and extending to the floors above. Tatman ordered the interior crew to evacuate based on the interior report, building conditions and available resources.
Tatman ordered the recall of off-duty firefighters and mutual aid from the Town of Normal Fire Department at 5 P.M. Bloomington Engine 3, Trucks 2 and 3, and Squad 4 responded with a total of 12 on-duty personnel. Town of Normal Tower 10 responded with four firefighters, who were assigned to ventilation. Defensive operations were established outside of the collapse zone. Truck 2 was positioned at the northeast corner of the building and Truck 3 at the southeast corner, both operating on side A. Engine 4 operated a master stream from its deck gun on side D. Engine 5's squirt was put into operation on side B. The fire burned out of control, leading to a partial structural collapse.
Tatman declared the fire under control at 8 P.M. Fire and police investigators apprehended three girls, ages 16, 15 and 14 in connection with setting the fire. The loss was put at $150,000.
-Jay K. Bradish
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