South Sioux City Fire responded to a structure fire at Laos Asian Market about 10:10 a.m. on Wednesday Morning at 115 West 9th Street in South Sioux City Nebraska.

The first fire crews on scene reported smoke and fire at the North East Corner of the building. They requested assistance from Sergeant Bluff Fire Department who brought their ladder truck and personal. Officer Van Berkum with South Sioux City Police was first on scene and helped get everyone out.

Matthew Rector, Fire Captain for South Sioux Fire Department says the extent of damage is unknown but is thought to be a complete loss, the contents of the building are destroyed and the structure although safe enough to work the fire from inside has extensive fire and smoke damage. He says that mutual aid agreements with other departments like Sergeant Bluff are a tremendous help, it allows them to work the fire more aggressively and be more proactive in firefighting. About 10 firefighters responded from Sergeant Bluff as well as 5 from South Sioux City.

The owner of the Grocery Store Sam Thongphet says he’s owned the business for about 30 years and is shocked and terribly sad. He wasn’t at the store when the fire broke out. On his way back he saw his Wife, Son, and customers outside of the building. He’s not sure what’s next for him and his business but he hopes to rebuild. He’s glad that nobody was injured but sad about his loss.

Everyone made it out safely the State Sire Marshal and South Sioux City Fire Chief are expected to be on scene Thursday to investigate the cause of the fire and extent of the damage.