BEATRICE, Neb. -

UPDATE:

Fire gutted a downtown Beatrice building Saturday morning, next to the Black Crow Restaurant.

Beatrice Fire and Rescue has released new details in a fire near the Black Crow Restaurant in Beatrice.

According to fire officials, crews were dispatched at just after 8:00 a.m. Saturday, to a report of a building on fire. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke coming from the roof and south side of the building

Fire crews encountered zero visibility inside the building due to heavy smoke, but were able to make entry and locate the fire at the rear of the structure. Additional crews found moderate smoke and fire in a connected building to the east and light smoke in a connected structure to the west.

Fire damage was ultimately limited to two structures, though smoke damage was reported throughout all connected buildings.

Officials noted that no working smoke detectors were found in any of the structures. The buildings were unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. 

A total of 14 Beatrice Fire and Rescue personnel were on scene assisting with fire suppression and overhaul operations. Crews remained on scene until approximately 1:51 p.m.

Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Beatrice Police Department, Beatrice Public Works, Black Hills Energy, the Beatrice Street Department, Community Development, and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation. Estimated property damage is reported at $100,000 or more.