Update: Fire destroys warehouse at Lawton business
LAWTON, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Crews from multiple departments responded to a fire Thursday night at Honee Bear Canning in Lawton.
Firefighters were dispatched to the warehouse at the canning factory around 7:45 p.m. and immediately began work to contain the flames.
The fire chief tells us a truck next to the warehouse caught fire and spread to the building. He says the warehouse was full of cardboard boxes which fueled a fast-moving fire.
Company co-owner Steve Packer says the damage is so severe he likely will not rebuild the structure.
"We are going to have to assess it tomorrow. Everything inside once it's wet is destroyed, so all the contents are gone. The building is a mid 50s pole barn," said Packer.
No one was inside at the time, and no injuries have been reported.
"I just want to express my appreciation for local volunteer fire departments. They do an amazing job," said Packer.
Honee Bear Canning is a well-known and large employer in the area. Packer says the fire will not impact employment or operations at the company.
