The insurance investigation is underway after the devastating fire at Coach’s Grill and Bar, but the fire investigation is over.
On Thursday, Emporia Fire Marshal Reason Bradford told KVOE News both the cause and origination point were undetermined. Bradford says there was no indication the fire early Saturday was intentionally set, but he also says the condition of the building and especially the roof made it difficult to do a full interior investigation. The walls were left standing, but much of the roof caved in and the presence of insulation and other items on the roof meant the remaining part of the roof was unstable.
Meanwhile, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has established a donation account to help the nearly 30 full-time and part-time workers who were employed by Coach’s when the fire destroyed the restaurant. Tax-deductible donations can be made out to the Chamber Foundation with Coach’s Employee Assistance or Fire Relief Fund in the memo line if paying by check. Donations can be brought or mailed to the Chamber at 719 Commercial in Emporia.
6 pm Thursday: Cause and origination of Coach’s fire undetermined according to Emporia Fire
After nearly a week-long investigation, the cause and origination point of Saturday’s devastating fire that destroyed a popular Emporia eatery has been ruled as undetermined.
That’s according to Emporia Fire Marshall Reason Bradford. Saturday’s fire was reported before sunrise Saturday and took Emporia and Americus firefighters better than two hours to get under control. The fire destroyed everything inside the 40-year-old building and collapsed at least part of the roof.
Thankfully no injuries were reported.
Insurance investigations into the fire are currently underway. Additional details will become available at a later time.
Flinthills Mall, LLC, owns the property.
