Burns Service Center destroyed by fire

A massive fire destroyed the Burns Service Center in Bethel July 28.

Owner Greg Burns was transported to Clermont Mercy Hospital with first and second degree burns on his arms and torso after the two-hour fire decimated the towing and service center that had been serving Bethel residents for decades.

On Monday afternoon, Burns was doing work on a pick-up truck inside the garage, located at 3370 state Route 125, when the truck caught fire, said Bethel fire chief Rick Stowell.

Burns was injured when he tried to tow the truck out with a wrecker, but it was too late to prevent the fire from spreading to gas tanks inside the garage, which exploded, igniting the entire building.

The fire, which had to be brought under control by several neighboring fire departments, including Washington Township, Franklin Township, and Hamersville, who responded to the scene, seemed to have ignited twice.

Just when the initial fire was brought under control, firefighters cut a hole in the roof, which re-ignited the blaze, Stowell said.

Burns was treated at Mercy Hospital Clermont, released, and is expected to recover from his injuries.

Three firefighters who were treated on the scene for heat-related problems are also expected to be fine.

The fire, which remains under investigation, has caused an estimated $220,000 worth of damage to the structure and equipment.

"But that is a very rough estimate," the fire chief said.