In 1971, NIBCA Offices were housed on 7th Street. On March 11th of that year, there was a gas explosion in the basement of their building.
There were no injuries to NIBCA employees. Just 30 minutes earlier, they had all gone home for the day.
The Busy Bee Restaurant after blast. NIBCA offices were located on the 2nd Floor.
"There was no way to save the building, the only thing that kept the fire burning was the gas lines." said the Fire Chief. The flow of gas was cut off about 8 p.m. and the major fire was knocked out at about 8:30 p.m.