Lisbon elevator fire started hours after demolition began

Demolition of a century-old grain elevator had just started when a spark from a torch lit part of the structure on fire Monday.

Firefighters from 11 towns responded around 1:30 p.m. to battle the blaze at Wilkin Elevator, 102 E. Fifth Ave.  No one was injured, but the fire destroyed a milling area and the main receiving leg.

The owner of the property, Jason Owen of Solon, said he closed on the vacant property last Wednesday. Demolition began Monday morning, with contracted workers using torches to dismantle legs for overhead grain bins, he said.

“One guy said the sparks got up under the tin and caught the wood on fire,” Lisbon Fire Chief Joe Long said. “They tried to put it out with the fire extinguisher, but didn't have any luck.”

Old, dry wood and gusting winds fueled the blaze, which spread to oats stored inside the bins. In about three minutes, the structure was fully engulfed in flames, Long said.

Owen said between five and 10 workers were working at the elevator when the fire started, but all came away unscathed.

Aerial trucks from Marion and Hiawatha were critical to extinguishing the blaze, Long said. He estimated as many as 70 firefighters assisted at the scene. The last crew left around 7:15 p.m.

The workers using the torches were employed by Siders Crane Service of Tipton. Owen said all parties involved have insurance.

“As far as liability is concerned, I wouldn't want to speculate,” Owen said.

A woman who answered the phone at Siders declined to comment.

Owen said his plans were to demolish part of the elevator so he could locate his business, Progressive Agricultural Services, on the site.

“There was some lumber in there that had been there over 100 years,” Owen said. “That was going to be used in the design of the new building.”

• MONDAY STORY, WITH GALLERY: Crews battle fire at Lisbon elevator