Warsaw Fire Department was called just after 6 a.m. to Robinson Construction on CR 200 North where heavy smoke was reported coming from the building. (Photo by Stacey Page)

Heavy smoke was reported coming from the Robinson Construction building at 445 E. 200 N., Warsaw, early this morning after a passerby reported hearing an alarm at the business.

Warsaw Fire Department Battalion Chief Rob Barker said they were called at 6:27 a.m. when dispatch received two calls about the fire. The first came from the Warsaw Community Schools bus garage and the second from someone driving past who heard what Barker said was the water flow alarm.

Barker said the fire was contained in a shop area where painting and staining is done. The cause has been ruled “spontaneous combustion” due to chemicals. One sprinkler head activated directly above the fire which greatly assisted in keeping it from spreading. “It worked exactly how it was supposed to,” Barker said.

Smoke damage was reported in nearby office areas and smoke and water damages in the shop area were minimal. The loss of materials was estimated at $2,500 per the Warsaw Fire Department.

CR 200 North at CR 100 East to the east and at Boeing Drive to the west was closed to traffic while crews investigated the blaze.

Winona Lake Fire Department, Multi-Township EMS and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department assisted on scene.