By Shereen Siewert
An early morning fire that destroyed a west-side laundromat and flower shop appears to have been intentionally set and one suspect is in custody, according to Wausau Police Capt. Ben Graham.
The fire was called in at about 3:36 a.m. at the Rainbow Coin Laundry, 210 Clark St., according to the Wausau Police Department. When firefighters arrived, flames had spread through the walls and into the ceiling, officials said.
As of 2:25 p.m., the roof of the building had collapsed. Two fire engines remain on scene with more than a dozen support vehicles, according to a Wausau Pilot and Review reporter at the scene.
The blaze also heavily damaged Blossoms and Bows, which is adjacent to the laundromat.
Graham said a 31-year-old man is in custody in connection with the fire. Criminal charges will be referred to the Marathon County District Attorney’s office for consideration.
The exact nature of the charges are forthcoming and the fire remains under investigation.
South Third Avenue remains closed to traffic from Elm Street to Stewart Avenue. A marked detour has been established routing southbound traffic west on Elm Street to 17th Avenue.
“We continue to encourage traffic to avoid the immediate vicinity of the fire scene,” Graham said.
No injuries have been reported. As of 4 p.m. crews remained on scene to extinguish hot spots.
The Wausau Fire Department and Wausau Police Department are being assisted by special agents assigned to the arson bureau within the Division of Criminal Investigation.
The suspect’s name was not released.
Local YouTuber DANDLINC, Dan Paul, shared this video footage with Wausau Pilot and Review detailing the effort to gain control over the blaze.
