Bass Lake Fire Chief Les Jensen told WKVI News that the investigation into the cause and origin continues. Some preliminary information may be available this week. As of now, he said, there is nothing new to report.
Eight fire departments were called to the business at the corner of Toto Road and U.S. 35 south of Knox at 5:17 p.m. CT on Thursday. The Bass Lake Fire Department was the first on the scene and Jensen immediately called for backup. Fire crews were filling up tanker trucks as quickly as possible. Water from fire hydrants was used to help fill those tanker trucks which caused rusty water to appear from household faucets.
Bass Lake firefighters were called back the next day to put out some hot spots.
Previously, the owner of C&C Salvage, James Campbell, had been notified by IDEM that he didn’t not have the proper permitting to operate his business at that location. In October of 2012, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management conducted an investigation and reportedly found that C&C Salvage and other businesses owned by James Campbell violated environmental management laws and rules, and the department proposed an Agreed Order constituting a settlement.
