Rubble of Lincolnway Foods continues to smolder Friday night Save Email Print
South Bend, IN
Posted: 8:28 AM Aug 8, 2008
Last Updated: 2:05 AM Aug 9, 2008
Reporter: Alana Greenfogel
Email Address: Alana.Greenfogel@WNDU.com

View of smoke from our NewsCenter 16 skyview camera

A | A | A

A South Bend firefighter most likely owes his life to the helmet he was wearing while battling a fire at Lincolnway Foods early Friday morning.

Chief Howard Buchanon shows us 25-year-old Jared Pearish’s beat-up helmet and says, "This is what probably saved his life."

The roof of the building collapsed, causing a wall to buckle, and fall on the firefighters.

They were treated for minor injuries at the hospital and are how home.

But the damage to the building is major and beyond repair.

"Believe me it's not easy," says owner Sam Ammori. "I broke down when I see this. I remember when I started the store before my kids...before all that. And to see that gone to the ground it's just not easy. It's not easy."

"It was pretty much a neighborhood store. And I'm sorry to see it go," says customer Calvin Williams. "All the history that was in this store. A lot of history. I mean, 30, 40 years."

"We've been here for a long time. Everybody know us. Who would have thought this would happen?" says employee David Ali.

Investigators don’t know how the fire started, but are combing through the rubble and trying to piece it all together.

South Bend firefighters were actually called back to the scene twice later Friday night because people saw smoke.

Firefighters say, even with hours and hours of water, it is not uncommon for some spots to stay dry and keep the fire going.

"The entire roof collapsed on the structure, and we had several layers of roofing materials there, and when it collapses on that there are little pockets that sometimes smolder," explains Battalion Chief Al Kirsits.

Kirsits says they are happy with how much of the fire got doused, thanks to help from the Public Work's heavy equipment that moved the rubble around.

Even so, they expect to be called out a couple of more times.

Smoke billowing over downtown South Bend, courtesy of 16 i-Witness reporter Amy Bradburn
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Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Q: What's a raysist? A: An illiterate racist!

Posted by: erma<3 Location: fort wayne on Aug 12, 2008 at 07:51 PM
i think people should stop being so negative all the time and be thankful that everyone is okay. i know the owner of that store and its not his fault what happens outside of it he surely can't do anything about drugs or their trafficing. the owner and his family are great people please think of them and their feelings through all of this while you are talking so negatively about their store. that store was a large part of their lives and has been for years, it meant a great deal to them. please just try to be respectful. God bless.

Posted by: SH on Aug 11, 2008 at 03:52 PM
What's a raysist?

Posted by: west sider Location: SB on Aug 11, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I am impressed that these people owned and operated a business there since 1980. All the other store owners ran for Vinyl Valley as fast as they could. That store will be missed by the locals that shopped there.

Posted by: Nick on Aug 11, 2008 at 08:33 AM
The westside does look like trash. I will stereotype because we wouldn't have had 9/11 if we did. I live in South Bend, not Granger, any place in Granger has lower taxes than any nice area in South Bend. Have a realtor run the taxes in an nice neighborhood and you would have realized that. I would like to actually see that your taxes were 1200 a year because when I run a report on the west side I can't find anyone that is at that level.

Posted by: lol Location: South Bend on Aug 11, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Arson. I live right by the place, have for 20 years. The owner was a good guy, yes. LWF has been going downhill for years, is a common drop off point for drug trafficking and hookers. It won't hurt the community that it's gone. Hopefully it's insured, if not, sucks to be then. Maybe they'll put something nice there now, like a police station.

Posted by: ay yo! on Aug 10, 2008 at 08:00 PM
stay at home mom: Everyone has to say "west side" because if we're more specific than that, we'll be called raysist.

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Aug 10, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Nick- I live on the west side, the true west side not anywhere near LWW. My property taxes are over 1200.00 not anywhere near 300.00. Don't stereo type everyone on the west side if you don't know where the west side is. I'm guessing that by your 3800.00 taxes you live in Granger and have never even been on the west side to see how nice people keep their property. Before you go bashing people, you might want to take a drive and see what your are talking about!

Posted by: to Shawn Location: South Bend on Aug 10, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Shawn, while this is indeed a local issue, it is not entirely separate from the state government. The property tax legislation from the state government has a direct impact on the municipalities all across Indiana, and as such, much of the budget crises facing those municipalities have their roots in the actions of the state government

Posted by: Joe on Aug 10, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Sheryl,you should run for god.You already have all the answers almighty omnipotent one.Now STFUB

Posted by: Mindy on Aug 10, 2008 at 12:08 AM
My prayers go out to the people that owned the business, and also to the people that have lost their jobs because of this. The firemen are also in my prayers. May God watch over all of you.

Posted by: sheryl on Aug 9, 2008 at 08:04 PM
arson

Posted by: ron on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:33 PM
sheryl,open mouth insert foot.Watch the live video on sbt and you can see the wall come down on the firefighter,,,,

Posted by: pam Location: south bend on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Hold on Nick! I live on the west side. i pay my property taxes evrytime they are due. i work for a very important company and i make a good salary. If you think my westside address is wrong, dirty, low income think again.

Posted by: raggedy Location: south bend on Aug 9, 2008 at 06:08 PM
OK PEOPLE GROW UP!!!!!!! If it was'nt for the fire and police departments would you prefer to monitor south bend by yourself? They do the best and I mean the best they can with the resources they have and now folks are talking about taking some of that away from them. I hope and pray that nothing ever happens to your homes or loved ones that you need one of these find folks to help.

Posted by: Mike Location: SB on Aug 9, 2008 at 06:06 PM
It should be pretty obvious to everyone by now how difficult and dangerous this fire was for firefighters. Now, try to imagine the fire department being forced to mitigate this same fire with 53 FEWER men! That would mean all hands on scene would have to work even harder for longer periods of time, making the already perilous job that much more dangerous. This should concern and alarm every SB citizen!

Posted by: Honestly Location: South Bend on Aug 9, 2008 at 05:05 PM
People are stupid, plain and simple. My thoughts and prayers are with the store owner and the people that rented the building to run their family business. This is a devastating loss to both families. And for VZ rambling on about immigrants, what are your roots? Your ancestors came to this country, learned the language and adopted parts of the culture just like the families who lost their livelihood. You are so quick to judge immigrants when you were once one yourself. Kudos to those families for coming to a foreign country and being able to succeed and run a business and not living off welfare like some people whose families have been here for ages. Hard work and perseverance, that is how they got what they had.

Posted by: Barbara Location: South Bend on Aug 9, 2008 at 01:10 PM
I am so sorry for the loss of your livelihood. This is a devestating loss for you but you will bounce back in time. Hang in there and godspeed.

Posted by: Shawn Location: E-Town on Aug 9, 2008 at 01:07 PM
I believe WNDU does edit what goes in here. Last week there were some postings of some wrong-doings by one of the Chiefs and then the next day they removed those comments from the site. By the way, Mitch has been the only governor in the last 15 years to have an open door policy with the Police and Fire Unions of Indiana. What does he have to do with South Bend anyhow, This is a local issue!

Posted by: T Location: South Bend on Aug 9, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Gosh Erin, how safe can it be to take one's week old baby to view a fire?

Posted by: LCB on Aug 9, 2008 at 11:24 AM
The Luecke fire protection plan: let it burn, baby! This clown needs to be sued for malpractice.

Posted by: Cory Location: Elkhart on Aug 9, 2008 at 11:02 AM
TO SHERYL: Since when did you go to the fire academy ? Can you tell me that? probably not!! Good job in your quick thinking and knowledge of how the fire ground works! That was awesome, during a fire you don't have time to think of STUPID BLANK BLANK like you are saying I hope the firefighter lets his records of his injuries go to the press and once your see them you will say your are sorry for having a stupid moment. Its ok to be a scanner follower but don't think you hear everything because not all traffic is transmitted one just one channel. They could have transmitted it on Dispatch channel or another frequency for some reason or not at all. So think before you speak please. Its ok to have a stupid moment every once in a while. But just make sure you are able to say your sorry. Thank you had have a great day.

Posted by: Cory Location: Elkhart on Aug 9, 2008 at 10:47 AM
TO FMR MILITARY I don't believe your thinking goes the right way, cause in your world why are we spending more money on our military, there budget is set so if they go over screw them I guess is what you are saying, but your going to come back and say thats not what your saying but in all reality it is, South Bend is a big city and it CAN NOT CUT 53 jobs that would be RIDICULOUS I really doubt for the people of South Bend that your taxes are not that high. Get over it and figure out a way to keep your Firefighters and Cops or next time when your mom is getting attacked or having a heart attack someone won't be there in time to help just like if we didn't give the military more money we would be just sitting around with no bullets, missles, food for the soldiers, or fuel. Try again.

Posted by: Erin Location: South Bend on Aug 9, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Sheryl, I have been around firefighters, policemen and scanners my whole life. I went to my first fire at a week old and even as a civilian I can say it is obvious you have no concept of fire fighting. If you don't know how to take each transmission with a grain of salt and realize not everything goes out over the airwaves, then you are truly as delusional as your post makes you appear. These are professionals and they do their jobs accordingly. They do not need to stage a PR move, their jobs are really just that dangerous. I can get you a kid's pop-up book to help you understand. It is amazing to me that five-year old kids get it, why can't you? I almost suspect you are working for Steve Luecke and Mitch Daniels. Stay strong SBFD and SBPD!

Posted by: ny nana Location: jamestown ny on Aug 9, 2008 at 09:49 AM
i remember when that store was an a&p grocery back in the late 60s and liveing on west la salle near portage ave. and walking downthere with my stepmother to go shopping. and then yrs later when she lived on cottage grove we went there shopping evenafter a&p was long gone my heart goes out to the owners they were good the the elderly and dis advantaged that lived near there. may you beable to rebuild and still be as good to people as you al;ways have been.

Posted by: Andy on Aug 9, 2008 at 09:08 AM
What is more sad about all this bad mouthing of public safety in South Bend/ Mishawaka is that WNDU allows this written garbage to be posted. WNDU talks about approval- what are they approving. Sounds like they support this trash talk.

Posted by: Joe Location: South Bend on Aug 9, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Where will I get the bootleg for next weeks released movies now????

Posted by: LCB on Aug 9, 2008 at 12:07 AM
If Steve "The Fraud" Luecke had his way these men would fight fires without helmets. What a coward, to try and cut the job of an American hero.

Posted by: what is wrong with you people? on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Why are so many people on here accusing this of being staged??? Go to WSBT's latest report. The kid suffered a skull fracture and had cerebral bleeding. This man is very young and he risked his life for you smucks. They have fricken video of him being dragged out by his brothers who were there. You people make me sick.

Posted by: Meeko Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:22 PM
I really find it unbelievable that some individuals think this is a publicity stunt in order for jobs to be saved. Maybe you should stop listening to your scanners for your entertainment and join the real world. Perhaps you would like to form a volunteer fire department and get a taste of the real thing. I for one support our fire fighters, police officers and other city employees who are dedicated to their jobs. As the old saying goes....walk a mile in someone's shoes. May give you a different perspective.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Drama? Dude has a fractured skull

Posted by: WIfe SBFD Location: Mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Sheryl: OMG what are you thinking? DRAMA, we really put our husbands in danger for your benefit of DRAMA? GET A GRIP. My husband puts his life on the line every other 24 hours for the people of South Bend and you call it DRAMA. This is not DRAMA, this is reality. So to all of those out there who think they know what they are talking about, get your facts straight, live the life of being a spouse of a community servant then you tell us how it feels to hear "firefighter down" come over the scanner you have in your home. Jared and Kevin, get some rest, see you guys back in action soon. Thank God the Lord was watching over you both. Thanks to all of the SBFD and SBPD who serve our community very well.

Posted by: to Nick Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Nick, property taxes are based on property values, with the philosophy being based on the relative value (at least in terms of property protection) of the service to the person. Furthermore, as the governor has stated, property taxes are a more reliable source of revenue for state and local governments, as opposed to income or sales taxes, which tend to fluctuate much more unpredictably, depending upon the relative state of the economy. Whether you consider it to be fair or not is certainly your prerogative, and I am not necessarily advocating one form of tax philosophy over another. Also, you need to differentiate between the Northwest neighborhoods (north of Lincolnway, West of Wilber, South of Elwood) and the much bigger West side. While there are certainly rough parts of the west side, there are many nice, working-class neighborhoods with upstanding folks who wouldn't much appreciate being lumped in with the dregs you are referring to.

Posted by: to fmr military Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:14 PM
No one doubts that a line has to be drawn, and your own slippery slope is far worse than the previous example. The question is why cut public safety personnel when we waste a million a year on the money pit known as the College football Hall of Fame, give another million to the zoo, build a million dollar playground, reface vacant old buildings, etc. The Fire Department has seen a TWO-FOLD increase in runs in the past ten years, and despite being in the 4th largest city, they have one of the lowest staffing-to-population ratios and are paid in the bottom 25% of state-wide departments. Now, you can pat yourself on the back and be mr. super-stoic, and tell them all to just "suck it up" during the recession (when crimes, fires, and EMS calls go UP) but if you do, don't cry when no one is there to help you.

Posted by: sheryl Location: south bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Exit-only Joe. Only a South Bend Police officer would think of something like that. Abner Louima still has nightmares about people like you.

Posted by: VZ Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:03 PM
How does a story about a fire become the forum for every whacko with a keyboard? I am not sure how the connection is being made between proposed layoffs, property taxes and this fire. It's obvious. The fire was arson - either insurance scam or some old fashioned ethnic cleansing of the neighborhood. You can bet dollars to doughnuts that the cause of the fire will be "suspicious." But it has nothing to do budget cuts in the city budget. Immigrants come to this country and no longer assimilate to our culture. They take advantage of us and send their money to foreign countries then bring mom, pops, auntie, uncle and 20 some cousins to infiltrate our communities. Learn the language, learn the American way, become part of the community or go home. Stop laughing in our faces and talking your jibberish behind our backs. Maybe we're all just a little fed up with government and the political process. More and more you are going to see people take to the streets with their frustration!

Posted by: Tori Location: West side South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Again, as I read these comments, I must ask myself why so many ignorant people congregate to South Bend, Granger and Mishawaka. To call this fire a staged attempt to save jobs is ludicrous. To make judgments about others based on demographic locale is insane. In a dwindling economy, everyone should be thinking about where to trim the fat. Start at the top - with the mayor - Yes, he has said will suffer a pay cut, but make no mistake, he is a mere pawn; incapable of making sound decisions of any kind. Rest assured, the financial plan of South Bend lies in the hands of an inept city controller - and - what do you any of you people know about this position or the person who holds that seat? A little investigation into who pulls the strings in St. Joseph County would do all of you some good and perhaps keep you from posting nonsense. A little education is what you all need ... And to think, I live on the West side and hold two college degrees ... GASP!

Posted by: Erik - Tax Payer Location: South Bend - AKA War Zone on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:45 PM
#1: Sheryl : Shut your pie-hole!!! Do us a favor and rub off you #9 & #1 off of your phone and deal with emergency's by yourself!!! GOD BLESS SPFD!!! Since the Mayor does not want to cancel funding for the College Football HF, why weren't the staff helping out SBFD, since the MAYOR wants to lay off firefighters & police first !!!!! but not the CFHOF!!!

Posted by: Mike Location: SB on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:18 PM
To all the CSI Investigators and scanner jockies who are talking about the firefighter getting hurt as 'staged drama', GET A LIFE. While firefighter injuries in this area have been relatively rare lately, (thank God), they DO happen! This job can sometimes be dangerous, but it's always real. For you to think (and say) this could be anything other than a scary accident proves nothing but your ignorance and ignorant people make me sick. Would you be saying this if it was your store/home on fire and a firefighter was injured while trying to save you or your property? Get a clue or find something better to do...

Posted by: Nick on Aug 8, 2008 at 04:26 PM
They off off is due to propoerty taxes that they are limited to collect which is a good thing. They should spend the money wisely. What I could never understand is why my taxes are about $3800 a year and the person on the westside is $300 a year or less. When they use the SAME services. Lets implement a minium property tax. If you cant afford it, move out of South Bend. There should be caps as those who pay high taxes should not be paying that much as they work for a living and have bettered themselves. Whereas those on the westside do not contribute as much (or enough) to the local economy or society.

Posted by: Bonnie Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Whenever I hear some government official insist layoffs during economic downturns should be everyone except their paylevel makes me wish we could change the charters to have every elected official pay level determined by election - you know yea or nay for increase pay for whomever - I think stockholders can do that.

Posted by: Joe Location: SB on Aug 8, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Sheryl you are a moron.Watch the vid on WSBT.This was clearly not a PR move.Open your eyes before you open your yap.The radio traffic didn't cover the situation correctly.I'll give yo