The Batavia Car Wash, located at 1020 Hospital Drive, sustained major damage after a fire broke out at the site on Feb. 10, 2016.

The Batavia Car Wash, located at 1020 Hospital Drive, sustained major damage after a fire broke out at the site on Feb. 10, 2016.
By Megan Alley
Sun staff

The Batavia Car Wash, located at 1020 Hospital Drive, sustained major damage after a fire broke out at the site on Feb. 10.

No injuries were reported.

The car wash is owned by Bill Harkleroad of Union Township.

A security system installed at the car wash alerted Harkleroad of the fire at 11 p.m. and Central Joint Fire EMS was called to the site at approximately 11:20 p.m. The car wash was already engulfed in flames when crews arrived.

“Upon leaving the station, the crews could see a glow and smoke from the area of Hospital Drive,” said Chief Kevin Riley in a press release. “The crews encountered the Batavia Car Wash with flames already shooting through the roof.”

He added, “In addition to the dangers of firefighting, the freezing temperatures made working and fighting the fire more difficult; freezing water creates slip, trip and fall possibilities due to the ice.”

Central Joint Fire EMS was assisted by Union Township Fire Department, Stonelick Township Fire Department and Williamsburg Township Emergency Services. A total of 26 firefighters responded to the call for service.

Initial responding crews extinguished the fire, which was contained to the single structure.

“It was nasty cold out there,” Harkleroad said. “Those guys worked their tails off until they were all done.”

Crews remained at the site for another two hours for overhaul and examination, according to Riley. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“They think the fire may have started in the attic and that it may have been an electrical issue,” Harkleroad said.

He added, “There’s no suspicion of foul play.”

Harkleroad, who also owns a car wash in Loveland, Harky’s Auto Sales in Batavia and the Batavia Express Care Valvoline, located next to the car wash, built the Batavia Car Wash with his own hands, along with help from his kids, 20 years ago.

“That car wash was my first project,” Harkleroad said.

He added, “After the fire, everything was lying on the ground; all the stuff I put together. What was wood burnt and what is concrete is still there.”

Despite the setback, Harkleroad is already working on plans to reopen.

“I’m feeling optimistic,” he said.

Harkleroad has hired a contractor to rebuild the car wash. Repair costs are not yet available; the car wash is covered by insurance.

Harkleroad hopes the car wash will reopen, possibly with some added improvements, by summertime.

“The project is in good hands,” he added.