Monday morning blaze destroys Lima convenience store

LIMA — A Monday morning fire destroyed a convenience store on Lima’s south side, but firefighters were able to save an attached residence from damage.

According to a spokesman for the Lima Fire Department, firefighters were called at 8:30 a.m. to the corner of Catalpa and St. Johns Avenues in response to the report of a fire. Upon their arrival, firemen found the majority of the structure — which most recently served as a convenience store and was at one time the site of the EZ Check store — to be engulfed in flames. Firefighters were unable to save the store, which was deemed a total loss. The attached residence was not harmed.

The fire department spokesman said arson investigators believe the fire was started by faulty electrical wiring. No foul play was indicated. Damages were estimated at $80,000.

The structure was owned by Mose Howard, said fire officials.

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Lima firefighters attend to Howards E-Z Check store fire on Monday morning. The store is located on the corner of Catalpa and St. John’s in Lima.

http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2018/02/web1_E-Z-Check-fire_01co.jpgLima firefighters attend to Howards E-Z Check store fire on Monday morning. The store is located on the corner of Catalpa and St. John’s in Lima. Craig J. Orosz | The Lima News