UPDATE: Maple Lanes owners: “We are heartbroken”
Owners said they are heartbroken.
"I can't believe someone would do this. If they wanted our money, take the money. It's sad, it really is,"
When crews with
"We had fire in the front pro shop, bar, kitchen areas. ... We have fire in this front portion. We haven't had any in the back," Petersen said. He said the flames extended into the ceiling and also damaged the roofing system.
"We have significant structural damage to the front portions of the building, and then heavy damage to all the merchandise and contents," Petersen said. "It's a sad deal. The good thing is crews did a phenomenal job, stopping it where they did. ... They've got a lot of work to do, but it's still intact."
He said the flames didn't reach the actual bowling lanes, but fire officials said they suspect the rest of the building will have significant smoke damage.
"It was basically a robbery ... and it appears they set the fire and left," said Fire Chief
Mutual aid was sought from area fire departments. Crews from
The city fire marshal and police are investing.
Police Maj.
The worker was told not to move and could hear activity elsewhere in the building, as the intruders apparently tried to open safes and vending machines. After about an hour, the worker smelled smoke and could feel intense heat and fled. He ran to
Police who arrived at the scene found items from
The owners have a deep passion for the sport.
"Bowling is our life," Eighme said.
Eighme said they would like to restore the center.
"If insurance says we can fix it, then we will, because we defiantly want to be here," Eighme said. "Right now we are just waiting."
She hadn't been inside but was allowed to peer in through a door.
In the meantime, plans are in the works to possibly move some of the leagues to
"We are going to try to move what we can. We just have to see what works."
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the police department at 291-2515 or
___
(c)2020 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (Waterloo, Iowa)
Visit Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) at www.wcfcourier.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Insurance Relief Wins Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Diamond Awards for Fourth Consecutive Year
Gov. Bill Lee pitches what he calls the 'largest investment' in teacher pay in Tennessee history
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News