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http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte...08212a60be.html

MICHIGAN CITY | A Michigan City bar and a living unit above it were damaged Tuesday in a fire — the third there since Saturday.

Firefighters found flames coming from the apartment above Charlie's, 517 E. Barker Ave., about 4 p.m. Tuesday, officials said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Michigan City Fire Marshal Kyle Kazmierczak said. Firefighters got control of the blaze in about 30 minutes. The flames were contained to the upper level, but the bar below sustained considerable smoke and water damage, Kazmierczak said.

Earlier Tuesday, a fire at the apartment was ignited by a pot of grease left on a lit stove, Kazmierczak said. The blaze caused minimal damage.

On Saturday, a burning incense stick came into contact with a decorative artificial palm tree in the upstairs apartment, causing a fire.

The bar owned by Michigan City area resident Charlie Morgan was closed Wednesday. A sign on the building said the bar would remain closed temporarily.

No injuries were reported.

Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte...l#ixzz1g4LTYn3h

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http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/1...84271746777.txt

Another fire plagues bar, space above it

By Stan Maddux
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Thursday, December 8, 2011 5:08 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — A Michigan City bar and the living unit above it were heavily damaged from a fire that marked the third one to occur there since Saturday.

The occupant, Angie Sheler, along with her boyfriend and sons – ages 6 and 17 months – stayed with a friend Tuesday night.

Sheler said the American Red Cross is putting them up at a local motel the next two nights. Without renters insurance, Sheler said they lost everything, and without much money she is not sure where they’ll be able to stay on a permanent basis.

“We’re talking to friends and family to get the help we need,” Sheler said.

*
At about 4 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters arrived to heavy smoke and flames coming from the apartment above Charlie’s at 517 E. Barker Ave.

Michigan City Fire Marshal Kyle Kazmierczak said just minimal damage occurred to the upstairs unit by a fire earlier Tuesday afternoon from a pot of grease left on a burning stove. He said the other fire on Saturday was due to a burning incense stick coming into contact with a decorative artificial palm tree in the home.

Kazmierczak said the tenants vacated the home Saturday to allow for the moderate damage to be repaired. When they returned later to get some belongings, somehow the burner on the stove was turned on and left on when they departed.

“When we arrived, we found the knob on the stove was in the ON position,” Kazmierczak said. “It was an accidental fire.”

Tim Janatik of Coolspring Township happened to be driving by when he spotted the heavy smoke and patrons exiting the bar.

“The flames were still blaring out of the windows,” he said.

Kazmierczak said the cause of the later Tuesday afternoon blaze was still under investigation, and there were no indications it was due to anything suspicious.

The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes, and the flames were contained to the upper level, which also sustained considerable smoke and water damage.

The bar downstairs was evacuated due to the fire and sustained heavy damage from water and smoke, Kazmierczak said.

The bar owned by Michigan City area resident Charlie Morgan was closed Wednesday and a sign on the building revealed it would remain temporarily closed.

There were no injuries.

Anyone wishing to help Sheler can reach her at (219) 221-3212.