City leaders in Keokuk are trying to determine how to proceed with the Redemption Center in the 600 block of Main Street following a fire early Thursday morning. Mayor Tom Marion said a decision would not be made until after meeting with Brian Boyd, who owns the center and several nearby properties.
Marion said he is concerned about the structural integrity of the building, which is used by the center to take in aluminum cans and plastic bottles.
Fire Chief Gabe Rose said the call came in at around 1:30 a.m.
"The on-duty crew came up here and had the heavy smoke conditions, which quickly turned to a lot of fire," said Rose.
"They called for another shift. Shortly after the call for one shift, it led to an 'all-call' because things started deteriorating very quickly inside the structure."
Rose said it took about 90 minutes to get control of the fire.
He said the department had to bring in a local contractor because heavy equipment was needed to clear a path for firefighters to further investigate the fire.
"We did find the origin," said Rose. "We know where it started, we just don't know what caused it. There are no utilities or anything to the building, so it is a suspicious fire."
Rose said the fire was basically contained to the redemption center, which consists of several buildings with a shared facade.
He said the Keokuk Police Department is investigating because the cause of the fire is considered suspicious.
The Redemption Center has been closed for some time after the city declared it unsafe to occupy.
