Fire crews spend hours working to put out flames at The Mill II construction site

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Fire crews left the scene more than 12 hours after the initial call came in when flames broke out at the $67 million dollar apartment and retail complex, that was expected to be open in the next 60 days.

The property developers saying in a statement Wednesday afternoon:

We are grateful to the firefighters, police and other public safety from both Mishawaka and surrounding communities for responding to the fire at The Mill II at Ironworks Plaza. The Mill II, a mixed-use project with 226 apartments, 10,000 square feet of retail along with a 450-space parking garage, was planned to open in the next 60 days and does not currently have residents.

Flaherty & Collins is fully committed to rebuilding and restoring what was lost as soon as we are able to do so. We will continue to provide updates as we work through the investigation process with city and fire officials.

Assistant Fire Chief for the Mishawaka Fire Department, David Ray told ABC57 crews were able to get the flames out at around 11a.m. but stuck around all afternoon to fight hot spots.

“First thing I did flame coming out of the window and it was shooting out this way and I seen the fire truck come and then there’s another fire truck then there were fire trucks all the way around the flame shut out the top,” said Thomas Harris who lives across the street from the site that was believed to be 80 percent complete.

The fire took more than 50 firefighters across 4 departments to get under control.

The building was under construction and unoccupied, and there are no reported injuries.

But still many questions from those out walking the popular area Wednesday, and mass destruction on the southwest side of the brand new complex.

The updated timeline is still uncertain as the State Fire Marshal works with local investigators.