BEDFORD – Bedford Fire Department firefighters battled a large fire at the Living Room Center on 5th Street Monday. The fire was reported at 4:09 p.m.
Bedford Fire Department firefighters arrived on the scene at 4:12 p.m.
Bedford Street Department placed barricades on 5th Street at Indiana State Road 37 and Belback Road, 5th Street at X Street, and Belback Road was closed at John Williams Boulevard due to the heavy smoke in the area.
The fire and smoke were massive. Firefighters from all three Bedford Fire Department stations responded to the scene. Motorists reported the smoke was so thick they could only see about 10 feet in front of their vehicles.
“We realized we needed additional manpower and called in all shifts. We had a full recall,” said Bedford Fire Department Chief John Hughes. “We had 33 firefighters battling the blaze. We responded with two engines, the rescue truck, and the ladder truck.”
The Living Room Center warehouse was engulfed in flames and firefighters worked diligently to contain the blaze and protect surrounding buildings.
At 5:30 p.m. police reported firefighters had contained the blaze to the Livingroom Center warehouse. Firefighters used the ladder truck to spray water on the Guthrie Creek Butchery building to prevent it from being consumed by the flames.
“There was some exterior damage at Guthrie Creek Butchery and smoke damage inside,” Chief Hughes said. “The Living Room Center warehouse was destroyed.”
“This was a big fire,” added Chief Hughes. “The city’s fire hydrants were able to provide an ample supply of water. Firefighters wore their SCBA self-contained breathing apparatus to protect them from the toxic smoke.”
Firefighters remained on the scene until 11:45 p.m.
The cause of the fire was ruled undetermined.
Chief Hughes wants to thank the community for their outpouring of support.
“So many reached out to provide food, drinks, and manpower,” said Chief Hughes. “I would like to thank Domino’s, Pappa John’s, McAlisters, McDonald’s, Bob Evans, who all provide food and McIntyre Construction for providing bottled water, and Greg Flynn with Flynn & Sons Construction who came out with their equipment to move the debris so we could battle hot spots and make sure the fire was extinguished.”
The Living Room Center posted the following post on Facebook, “We would like to thank all of our Bedford Firefighters, Bedford Police Department, and our first responders. They worked really hard to get things under control. We also appreciate our customers, family, and friends. It’s going to be a bit stressful for a bit, but we will make it right for all of our customers. God Bless You All and Thank You for all the calls and messages making sure everyone was ok 
.
Assisting at the scene were officers with the Bedford Police Department, IU Lifeline Ambulances, and the Bedford Street Department.
