Fire being investigated by Elkhorn fire and police departments as potentially suspicious.
By Kellen Olshefski
SLN Staff
A fire that ravaged Nathan Lane Storage Units Aug. 18 is being investigated by the City of Elkhorn police and fire departments as potentially being suspicious.
Elkhorn Fire Chief Rod Smith said the fire department was called to Nathan Lane Storage Units, near the intersection of Nathan Lane and Deere Road on the city’s south side, at about 10:22 p.m. When crews arrived, Smith said the center of the building was fully engulfed.
Elkhorn fire crews pulled a MABAS Box and received assistant from fire crews from Lake Geneva, Lauderdale-La Grange, East Troy, and the City and Town of Delavan.
Smith said the fire department had the blaze under control by about 11 p.m., with crews leaving the scene at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday after extinguishing hot spots.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with the City of Elkhorn fire and police departments handling the investigation. Smith said the fire is being investigated as suspicious.
According to Smith, two-thirds of the building is a total loss, and the third still standing likely has water and smoke damage.
At this time, Smith said it is unknown when those who rented storage units at the site will be able to get back into their units or sift through the rubble to determine what is salvageable. Smith said the department is attempting to contact all tenants as a part of its investigation and will inform tenants when they are able to get back into their units.
