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Sam Penrod reportingA devastating fire at a landmark in Utah County remains under investigation. The old Star Mill caught fire Wednesday night, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
The state fire marshal is still trying to pinpoint a cause to the fire; so far it remains under investigation. And now the owner is trying to see what is left.
Wednesday night firefighters fought the blaze at the Star Mill in American Fork. The fire destroyed several buildings which stored many antiques. The owner had collected the antiques and then would sell them at his antique store.
Today we got our first look at the damage. The buildings are a complete loss, and the owner says what was in the buildings is what the real value was.
Insurance adjusters are now trying to determine the loss. But the actual mill, which is 100 years old and home to many community events, was for the most part spared from the flames. It has some smoke and water damage.
Heber Thompson, mayor of American Fork, says, "We're delighted this historical structure was preserved, and it's a credit to our fire department, and I think we had some help from Alpine, Highland, and surrounding fire departments. We commend them for being so responsive and a really good cooperative effort to save what we've saved here."
The owner says that for now the Star Mill will be closed. He is hopeful he can reopen sometime in March.
He is still trying to get over all of the antiques that were destroyed and can't be replaced.
The Star Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic places.
