An investigation is underway into what caused a fire that heavily damaged several businesses today in downtown Knox.
Today started as business as usual in downtown Knox.
"We had a dining room full of people eating breakfast," said Robert Neuberg, owner Downtown Depot.
Until..
"I smelled it! Then when I walked outside, I seen the heavy smoke coming from my neighbors building then these windows popped and then the flames just ignited," said Neuberg.
And the normal day for these downtown businesses... was dramatically changed.
"I told em hey The buildings on fire get out... I mean what else can we do," said Neuberg.
As smoke blanketed the town of Knox.
"Well, I woke up this morning and went out there to do my laundry... and there was smoke everywhere and I thought I set the building on fire because I thought there was a fire. Then I learned out the door... I mean it was blazing," said Mary Sibo.
After multiple neighboring businesses caught fire just before 9 a-m.
Firefighters from several departments battled the fire for four hours one building, Vorpal Gaming, is destroyed, while Downtown Depot and Birdie’s are looking at serious smoke and water damage.
"Well the impact is the businesses that were affected. A lot of people visit them and they drew a lot of people into Knox," said Dennis Eastok, Knox Mayor.
Multiple crews worked to put the fire out
"Thank you to the crews on scene for stopping it. It could have easily been the whole block," said Kenny Pfost, Fire Chief of Knox Center Township Fire Department.
And now the community says it’s just thankful nothing was lost that can’t be replaced.
"You know what... as long as my neighbors themselves are okay.. this is brick and wood it can be replaced," said Neuberg.
No injuries were reported in Thursday’s fire.
The Indiana Fire Marshal’s office will look into the cause.
As of now Birdie’s and the Downtown Depot will have to assess their damage before they determine when they will reopen.