By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Fire officials say a blaze that destroyed a woodworking business on Tuesday is suspicious in nature.

Bloomington fire crews spent much of Tuesday morning knocking down a blaze at Miller Whiteside Woodworking at 505 S. McClun St. The fire was reported at 6:04 a.m.

When fire crews arrived on scene, smoke was reported in the area with flames visible through an air conditioning unit on the south wall. Fire crews had to get out of the building because of the heavy fire load and wood finishes.

The fire department said in a statement the fire was suspicious, but didn’t offer specifics. The Bloomington Police Department’s criminal investigation division is assisting the fire department with the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Bloomington Police Detective Matt Dick at (309) 434-2475 or [email protected]. McLena County Crimestoppers offers cash rewards of up to $1,000 for anonymous tips that leads to an arrest and indictment.

The American Red Cross provided food and water at the scene. No one was inside the building at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].