The Newton Fire Department’s investigation into an early morning fire Wednesday at the Liquor World store on First Avenue East will be assisted by the State Fire Marshall’s Office. Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik says firefighters responded to the scene at 2:40 a.m.  

“A fire with numerous explosions was the initial call that came in. When we arrived on scene, the fire was pretty deep-seated. The whole building was basically on fire. We were able to extinguish it fairly quickly, and the fire remains under investigation.”

Chief Wellik says no one was present at the business when the fire started, and there were no injuries. The building is a total loss. Chief Wellik adds there were no sprinklers in the liquor store and there were concerns nearby businesses and homes could catch fire, so a few houses close to the fire were evacuated as a precaution. Firefighters were at the scene until 5 a.m. Members of the Baxter, Colfax, and Kellogg Fire Departments assisted at the scene, along with personnel from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Newton Police and Public Works Departments.

Chief Wellik encourages anyone who has information regarding the fire, or saw anything suspicious, to call the Newton Fire Department at 641-792-3347.