Iowa Commercial Building Destroyed By Fire

FAIRFIELD, Iowa (AP) -- A commercial building undergoing renovation to prepare for a new business burned in Fairfield Monday.

Firefighters from four communities responded to the fire in the downtown square and fought it for 14 hours before the building was consumed by flames, fire officials said.

Fire Chief Ralph Hickenbottom said the cause of the fire had not been determined.

Several neighboring businesses received smoke and water damage.

Fire officials said the building was almost empty at the time it caught fire.

Bob Hougher, husband of the owner Rebecca Hougher, said the building was insured.

Information from: The Ottumwa Courier