Car Smashes Into Olson Buildings Leads To Massive Structure Fire

Photo Credit: Olson Furniture Outlet/Facebook

(Grand Island, NE) - A 911 call to GIFD at 12:30 am Saturday, October 5th to 714 St Paul Road in Grand Island to a structure fire at the Olson Auction and Furniture buildings. The fire was caused by a vehicle that left the street and smashed into the center building (of three buildings) of the Olson property. When Grand Island Fire originally got the call it was reported that a vehicle was on fire but there was no mention of the vehicle being inside of a building. Once GIFD arrived they upgraded the situation to a structure fire and sprang into action. Firefighters decided that they could then protect the Olson Furniture building but unfortunately were not able to save the storage building as the fire had gotten to far along. In the meantime, GIPD had a male in custody and is currently handling a criminal investigation. It's estimated that three-quarters of a million dollars worth of items were lost in the two buildings. 

Grand Island Fire had all stations report to the scene that called for a 4-11 structure fire. When that occurs Grand Island Rural gets called to help cover the city while Grand Island Fire Department attends the scene of the active fire. GIFD left the scene Saturday morning at 9:00 am. 

Below listen to some details from GI Fire Battalion Cheif Phil Thomas