SBI investigating fire at DOT building in Clinton

Someone driving by saw flames at 211 North Blvd. around 2:40 a.m. and called authorities, according to Clinton dispatch officials. A truck shelter, two pickup trucks, a mower and other equipment burned.

District engineer Lin Reynolds says the fire destroyed about $190,000 worth of equipment. He said replacement equipment is already on the way.

"The equipment superintendent has already contacted us and he's secured two asphalt distributors from the western part of the state that were surplus," he said.

No one was hurt, and there was no word on what started the fire.

Reynolds said it didn't appear that somebody went into the facility and started the fire.

"Everything was secure. When the fire department arrived, they actually had to cut the lock to get in," he said.

The fire is not expected to delay future DOT projects.

"It doesn't hinder the normal duties too much. It's just a great loss that we lost this building and the state equipment," he said.