Champlain resident John Southwick said Henry Falcon operated a pharmacy at that location at one time.

Trombley said the structure that burned is known as the Zweers building. It was once the residence of Theresa and Wallace Zweers.

Thousands of gallons of water from hydrants and the nearby Great Chazy River were used to extinguish the flames, he said.

Main Street (Route 9) was closed to traffic until about 10 this morning. A portion of Elm Street was also closed for a while.

The fire was reported by a local person passing by, he said.

The fire is believed to be suspicious, Trombley said, as there was no electrical power to the building.

“Several people noticed kids around the area at the time.”

The fire remains under investigation, the chief said, and people are still being interviewed about the blaze.

E-mail Dan Heath at:

dheath@pressrepublican.com