The Columbia Fire Department responded at 11:37 a.m. Wednesday to a working structure fire at The Corner Reef, 115 E. Whiteside Street, in downtown Columbia.

CFD initially requested mutual aid from Waterloo and Millstadt fire departments but Waterloo stayed at its engine house when firefighters managed to extinguish the flames within 10 minutes, Columbia Assistant Fire Chief Jim Broshears said. Millstadt supplied a pumper and manpower.

Broshears told the Republic-Times that the entire space The Corner Reef occupies sustained smoke, fire and water damage. The east end of the garage where the fire originated sustained most of the damage. He referred to the cause of the fire as electrical in nature.

The Corner Reef owners were able to get “just about all of” the fish out of the facility, Broshears added.

“They were taking their fish out of there to a safe location,” he said.

Broshears said the building is covered by insurance. The Corner Reef, owned by Steve Babcock of Columbia, sells wild and aqua cultured/tank raised corals and fish, the business’ Facebook page states.

“Everyone is OK but The Corner Reef is going to be closed today. I don’t see us opening back up in Columbia,” the ownership shared on Facebook.

Babcock posted on his personal Facebook page that the community came out in full force to help when the fire started.

“I’m completely overwhelmed with the amount of support from people that have come to help us today,” the post reads. “I really can’t remember a tougher day right now but all the love that I’m being shown is sure making it better.

“I’m also very thankful that my pets made it through the fire okay and are already in their new home.”

The Corner Reef has set up shop at a new location, 7565 S. Lindbergh Boulevard in St. Louis.