The Associated Press

KOKOMO, Ind. — A garage housing Howard County's Emergency Management Agency equipment burned, destroying ambulances and firetrucks stored in the structure.

As Kokomo firefighters arrived at the building about 9 p.m. Sunday, the building was nearly engulfed in flames.

Three ambulances, two tankers, a grass firetruck, two engines, an air truck and a hazardous material unit remained inside the building, Emergency Management Agency deputy director Harold Eads said.

The building, near the Howard County Criminal Justice Center, also contained a mechanical area and tools.

Eads said he feared nothing would be salvageable.

EMA director Larry Smith said they were able to retrieve a Mobile Command Unit and the city's bomb truck. Howard County Sheriff Marty Talbert said one sheriff's department vehicle was saved.

Talbert said firefighters had difficulty with the blaze.

"The fire had a good start before the fire department got there," he said.

Firefighters had to wait for power to be shut off in the area before they could use a ladder truck.

The cause of the fire was not immediately determined.

The county's insurance adjuster was on the scene late Sunday and was expected to return this morning to begin determining damage.