A commercial structure fire on Monday night caused heavy damage to a car wash in Rock Valley and remains under investigation.
Fire Heavily Damages Car Wash in Rock Valley
According to Rock Valley Fire Department Fire Chief Brent Eshuis, firefighters were called to the Eagle Avenue Car Wash at 163 Westview Drive just after 9:00 pm Monday.
Eshuis says when crews arrived on scene, the lower portion of the roof and attic area was “totally engulfed in fire.” He says the fire was mainly contained to the attic space above the car wash.
Sioux Center Aerial Called for Assistance
Because of the height and roof design of the building, Eshuis says firefighters requested assistance from the Sioux Center Fire Department aerial truck.
Eshuis explained that the building had a tin roof, which becomes slippery when wet, making elevated access more difficult for firefighters.
Under a mutual aid agreement, the Hull Fire Department also responded automatically to assist at the scene.
No Injuries Reported
Eshuis says nobody was inside the building at the time of the fire.
He clarified that the attic area was not occupied or used for storage, but was simply the space above the car wash ceiling and part of the building’s roof structure.
Crews remained on scene for roughly 2 to 2 and a 1/2 hours battling the fire and monitoring the structure.
Cause Still Under Investigation
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Eshuis says the insurance company is expected to inspect the property within the week. While he stopped short of calling the structure a total loss, he indicated the building sustained significant damage and would likely require major rebuilding efforts.
Additional agencies assisting at the scene included Rock Valley Ambulance (automatic aid), the Rock Valley Police Department, the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, and the local rural electric cooperative, which helped disconnect power to the building.
