The Hastings fire department early Wednesday morning with assistance from other fire departments battled a large fire at the Old Royal Coach Building on East Mill Street next Hastings Manufacturing Company.  Hastings Fire Chief Roger Caris told WBCH News,   "we started putting water on the other buildings next to the  Old Royal Coach building as soon as we arrived, to keep the other  buildings from catching on fire as we battled the Royal Coach fire. Caris went to say the building is a total loss."

 

The cause of the fire remains under  investigation.

 

Hastings Area Schools were closed today as the fire interupted electric service in the area.

Maple Valley and Barry County Christian schools were also closed.

 

Power has now been restored to the affected areas.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY OF THE FIRE