BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SOUTH LEBANON -- A Sunday morning fire destroyed the Salvation Army building, and the volunteers who worked there helping the needy find they are the ones who need help now.
Union Township firefighters douse hot spots.
(Michael E. Keating photo)
|
ZOOM |
|
Because the fire that consumed the 5,000-square-foot Salvation Army store at 64 N. Main St. started on the outside of the structure, fire officials suspect arson.
"I can't believe anyone in South Lebanon would do this, because we helped them so much," said Marjorie Israel, 75, who managed the store. "I'm sad and angry.
"This has really gotten to me."
Union Township - South Lebanon Fire Department responded to the blaze at 3:30 a.m. Flames engulfed more than one-third of the building before the department arrived, Fire Chief Gary Arnold said.
Nine fire departments, including Mason, Lebanon and Morrow, were called to help. More than 20 units and 75 firefighters were needed to control the fire, which took an hour to put out.
One firefighter, James Butler, was treated for smoke inhalation. He was released later Sunday.
"This was a major fire for this area," said Chief Arnold, who was hired full time six weeks ago. "When we got here, it was through the roof. This was a heavy fire."
People who used the store will have to go without assistance for a while, Ms. Israel said.
All the files inside were destroyed, which will make recovery more difficult.
The South Lebanon Salvation Army provided food, clothes and monetary assistance for some Warren County residents. The 22 volunteers will start over, possibly in the same community.
"This was the perfect spot, because people from all over could take advantage of what we had," Ms. Israel said. "We had so many people helping us. . . . Now, we're devastated."
Neighbors in the small town are frustrated, too. They can't understand why someone would set fire to a building -- especially one that houses an organization that helps other people.
"I know that there are people who would go hungry around here if it weren't for them," said Cathy Roark, who lives across the street from the burned-out building. "We went to Bible school over there, but it's gone."
The Division of State Fire Marshal in Columbus is investigating the fire, Chief Arnold said.
The intense heat warped and peeled aluminum siding on neighboring homes. The smell of burned wood was still wafting down the streets hours after the fire.
Mid-afternoon brought curious residents who passed by and remembered the good Ms. Israel did for the community.
