Fire at Creps United Caused $75M in Damage

INDIANA, PA—The fire that crippled Creps United Publications caused a historic level of monetary damage, according to the Indiana Gazette. The massive fire left damage totaling $75 million. For perspective, the Indiana (PA) Fire Association—which battled the blaze—reports the price tag is more than the combined damage wrought by all other fires in its 134-year history.

The Oct. 23 blaze destroyed the printing plant and most of the material and equipment inside, Fire Chief Charles Kelly told the newspaper. The cause of the fire, which spread quickly after coming into contact with solvents and other chemicals, is still under investigation.

Creps United Publications specializes in printing retail advertising inserts for newspapers. It had spent $9.5 million for a new press in 2001, the Gazette reported.