Old Mees Building Fire Investigated

The Zanesville Fire Department is investigating an early Thursday morning fire at the old Mees carpet building. It happened around 7:30 a.m. next to the Y-Bridge. The building has been vacant for years and investigators were concerned that it could collapse as a result of the fire. Assistant Chief Doug Hobson says he thinks some homeless people may have started a fire to keep warm and that caused the problem. Hobson says the owners of the property have been contacted by the city and the building will be torn down. The Linden Avenue and Main Street spans of the bridge were closed during the fire but have since been reopened.  The Newton Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.