No injuries reported as damage estimates range close to $700K
By JOSH RESNEK
The Scrubbing Board on Hancock Street, one of this city’s major launderettes, suffered a fire in its ceiling Monday.
The business was destroyed but the owner, John Mattuchio, said it will be rebuilt completely.
Matuccio estimated the loss at $500,000- $750,000.
“I believe the fire started in the ceiling and was confined to the ceiling and roof. The firefighters believe the fire must have started from an electrical malfunction of wiring in the ceiling,” he added.
Mattuchio, a well- known Everett businessman and the former president of the local Kiwanis Club, said he was grateful for the great effort made by the Everett Fire Department to minimize the loss.
“A firefighter found my cash bag in the back office and returned it to me. Honesty like that today is over the top,” said Mattuchio.
The business suffered the loss of its late-model stainless steel washers and driers. The roof needs to be repaired and replaced. All the plate glass windows were broken by the firefighters to vent the store.
Thousands of gallons of water were poured onto the roof and seeped into the launderette causing water damage everywhere.