(LaPorte, IN) - A LaPorte laundromat that had just been renovated suffered a serious fire earlier this week.

 

It happened Tuesday morning at Poly Clean Laundry on East Lincolnway. Firefighters answered the call just after 5:45 a.m. Extensive damage was done to the business’s office area, but there was smoke and water damage throughout the laundromat. There was minimal structural damage to the building.

 

Adjoining businesses had to be evacuated. "It did allow smoke and carbon monoxide to get into the strip mall right there," said Fire Chief Andy Snyder.  "So we had to keep, at least from Dollar General to the east, those four businesses closed for several hours while we were trying to get the carbon monoxide out of those buildings, as well as the smoke."

 

Estimated damage is at least $40,000, but with commercial washing machines costing about $10,000 each, that figure could exceed $100,000. Because of the extensive damage, the State Fire Marshall is helping with the investigation. A cause has not been determined.

 

The laundry owners are remaining optimistic and say they plan to re-renovate and re-open as soon as possible.