Senior center reopens following fire

BONNE TERRE — As of Tuesday afternoon the plan was to reopen the Bonne Terre Senior Center to patrons today. The center was closed Tuesday after an early-morning fire destroyed a food storage area.

Firefighters, just returning from assisting on battling a blaze in Farmington early in the morning, responded to a fire at the senior center.

According to Fire Chief Matt Barton, the department arrived on the scene shortly after 4:30 a.m. to find a detached garage at 420 North Long Street fully engulfed in flames.

“It was a detached 10 by 15 storage garage. It had a walk-in freezer and a couple refrigerators. It is where they stored all their food. We got the call and we had a truck on the scene in seven minutes,” Barton said.

Despite the best efforts by first responders, the building is a total loss. The office of the state fire marshal was investigating on Tuesday to determine a cause.

“We had it under control in 15 minutes, but it was a loss definitely. They are going to take a hit on this one,” Barton said.

Management decided to close the facility Tuesday as parts of the main building remained without power.

“The building is where we stored all of our food. We have electricity in parts of the center and parts are without. We are going to close for the day for sure, because we have no electricity. We are just going to play it by ear and go day by day,” said Shannon Williams. Later in the day she said the plan was to reopen the center today.

This outbuilding at the Bonne Terre Senior Center is a total loss after an early morning fire broke out on Tuesday. The center was closed Tuesday but management intended to reopen today.