Kerns Chevrolet in Celina destroyed by early morning fire

CELINA, OH (WLIO) - A car dealership building on S. Walnut Street in Celina was destroyed by fire this morning. 

A Celina police officer saw smoke coming out of the Kerns Chevrolet showroom building and called the Celina Fire Department around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday to respond to the blaze.

Celina Fire Chief Joel Lange said crews initially made entry into the building, which houses the dealership showroom, offices, and service department, along with several vehicles. But after a short while, the roof began to sag, and they had to evacuate the building for their safety and go on a defensive attack. Firefighters battled the smoke and flames for several hours and also worked to protect a parts building nearby.

A piece of construction equipment was brought in about 6:30 a.m. to knock down walls so crews could reach stubborn spots of the fire that were still burning. 

Rockford, Coldwater, and Montezuma Fire Departments were called in for mutual aid. The state fire marshal's office will help investigate the cause of the fire. There were no injuries.