By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – An auto repair shop in Downtown Bloomington is a complete loss after a fire Thursday morning.

Diesel Dick’s, located at 508 North Madison Street, was fully engulfed around 7 a.m., according to Bloomington Fire Public Information Officer Eric Davison. Crews continued to fight the blaze in wintry conditions after about two-and-a-half hours.

Davison said firefighters were able to save neighboring buildings, including Starcrest Cleaners, 301 West Market Street, and a two-story apartment building at 505 North Roosevelt Street.

“As we came in our focus was putting out the fire itself, but also maintain the other buildings,” said Davison.  “We keep water on the other buildings, then we maintained and exposed some of the walls to make sure no fire is getting inside, then went inside both buildings to make sure there is no smoke or damage.”

Only about 10-feet away, the outside of those buildings suffered minor damage, according to Davison.

Davison said nobody was injured and the situation could have been worse.

“It really could have been, we’re thankful there wasn’t other exposure and everyone is safe,” Davison said.

Fire crews are still investigating what caused the blaze.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]