LOOGOOTEE - A fire swept through downtown Loogootee around 10 a.m. Wednesday destroying nearly an entire city block that was home to several businesses. The fire is believed to have started in Rosie's Shirt and Gift Shop and spread to the surrounding business including His and Hers Beauty Salon and Laurie's Flowers, all located in the 200 block of JFK Avenue. No injuries were reported.
Those on the scene believe a glue gun being used at Rosie's sparked and within seconds the building was up in flames that could be seen as far away as St. Mary's Road.
Over a dozen fire engines and fire rescue trucks flocked to the area, closing down a large portion of the downtown. Units from NSA Crane, Washington, Cannelburg, Loogootee, Martin County, Montgomery, and Southeast Daviess Fire District all fought the blaze as temperatures dropped and crowds on onlookers gathered.
"I was at the elementary school when I got the call that Rosie's was on fire," said Loogootee Mayor Noel Harty, as he watched the firefighters battled the flames. "It's very sad."
Firefighters tried to contain the blaze from spreading but the fire still gutted a good portion of the block including Rosie's, Laurie's, and His and Hers. Other businesses sustaining damage include M and M Electric, Cartridge Depot and Ippoliti Law. The extent of the damage to the other buildings is not yet known. Word is that Cartridge Depot and Ippoliti Law sustained water damaged. Smoke damage is also anticipated by many of the businesses nearby.
The fire was contained but JFK Avenue and Main Street were closed to traffic Wednesday afternoon.