Fire destroys Kingdom Closet in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind -- Multiple fires took place on the northwest side of South Bend within the past two weeks.

One fire took place this past Friday on Elmer St.

A devastating house fire occurred in South Bend on LaPorte Ave. that killed 6 children, the youngest just turned 17 months old last Sunday.

Now, the most recent fire taking place on the 2100 block of Ellwood Ave. at the Kingdom Closet thrift store Sunday evening.

A fire broke out Sunday evening at Kingdom Closet thrift store on the corner of Elwood and Huey.

When firefighters got there, the building was engulfed in smoke and flames.

Kingdom Closet helps people dress nicely for less, with most items in the store priced at a dollar per piece.

Pastor Charisee Lee opened the store about three years ago when she noticed kids were being bullied for having dirty clothes.

Charisse Lee and her husband, first district Councilman Canneth Lee, were at the balloon release for the six Smith children when they got a call their building was on fire.

They believe someone intentionally caused this blaze.

"Saddened that someone would do something so wicked to take away from our community, this building does nothing but give back love, care and kindness and it gives hope, and we love God, so I'm ashamed of the person who did this, but if anyone knows anything, please say something," said Lee.

No one was injured in this fire.

South Bend fire is still investigating the cause of this blaze along with the cause of the LaPorte Ave. fire.