Fire department damaged by fire

BENTON RIDGE — A fire Friday afternoon at the building which contains the Blanchard Township Fire Department, township offices and the township garage, caused damage to a truck and extensive smoke and heat damage throughout the structure. There were no injuries. Fire Chief Dave Lucas said the alarm sounded about 1:45 p.m., and firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the doors. About 20-25 firefighters responded, he said, including mutual aid from Liberty Township; Northwest Hancock Joint Fire District, McComb; and Southwestern Hancock Joint Fire District, Rawson. Hancock County Sheriff's Office and emergency medical personnel also responded. He said it took about 15-25 minutes to extinguish the fire. A pickup truck was extensively damaged by the fire, which was confined to the truck, Lucas said. Other equipment and two fire trucks were removed without damage, he said. The entire building's interior, and the side of the building including the garage doors, were charred by heat and smoke. Firefighters were able to open one door, Lucas said. The building is insured, Lucas said, and a damage cost estimate was not available Friday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.