SPO Reporter Alyssa Richardson said no flames are showing, but there is an odor of smoke coming from the Claypool Inn where three fire departments on scene. (Photo by Alyssa Richardson)

Smoke in an upstairs hallway was initially reported in the old Claypool Inn and three fire departments were called to the scene.

Shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Department responded with a ladder truck to assist Claypool Fire Department on the scene at 110 S. Main St., Claypool. The initial call came from the Claypool Inn at 108 S. Main St. CFD Chief Bob Haines said the inn and the apartment building are attached.

Although on scene for 4 1/2 hours, Haines said the fire was under control at 4:45 p.m. thanks to the efforts of firefighters of Claypool, Warsaw and Silver Lake Fire Department, which was also called to assist.

Haines tells StaceyPageOnline.com that the fire, which has displaced approximately 20 people, started in Apt. D where it traveled up a wall and into the ceiling. Fortunately, those who were in the building at the time were able to escape without injury. The Red Cross is assisting six families with shelter, food, clothing and shoes after fire and smoke damaged their property.

Haines adds, “I’d like to give big kudos to Red Sweets for opening their doors to the tenants to get out of the cold and for supplying coffee to the firemen.” The small business is located just across Main Street from the apartment building.

Squad 70, headed by fire investigator Gordon Baker, investigated the blaze and ruled it accidental. Baker said the occupant of Apt. D admitted to accidentally setting a mattress on fire with a cigarette earlier that day. The tenant said the fire was extinguished, but did not realize that it continued to smolder, eventually spreading to a nearby wall.

The apartment building is owned by Chad Zartman. Zartman also owned the Arthur Street apartments that were destroyed in a November fire. (See related)

Also assisting on scene was the Kosciusko County Health Department, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Multi-Township EMS.