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Future Of Loogootee Businesses Still Unclear After Fire

Last updated on Tuesday, January 13, 2015

(LOOGOOTEE) - Loogootee Mayor Noel Harty says business owners are trying to decide if they will rebuild after a devastating fire destroyed the historical town square.

More than 100 firefighters from 10 different fire departments battled the November fire that started in Rosie's T-Shirt Shop at 215 North JFK Avenue.

The fire started when a glue gun sparked at the shop.

The fire then spread to two other shops including Laurie's Flowers and His and Hers Beauty Salon.

The wind blew embers south from the three destroyed downtown businesses to a fourth business named Englert's Home Comfort Center and several upstairs apartments were damaged. Rosie's T-Shirt Shop and Laurie's Flowers were a total loss.

Officials say no one was injured while battling the blaze.

At one point, officials used a front loader to knock down the wall of His and Hers Beauty Salon to get to the fire inside.

Other businesses that were impacted by the fire include: Cartridge Depot, Ippoliti Law Office and M & M Electric, Inc.
Fire crews had the blaze contained by late afternoon, but continued to stay on the scene putting out hot spots.

Firefighters says it is not surprising the fire spread so quickly. Construction material, no fire walls and the age of the buildings which many have numerous roofs, make them susceptible to fire. Many were built centuries ago before building codes were in place.

It's unclear how the small town plans to recover. Debris still litters the area.

There are questions about available funding to remove the debris and business owners are still sorting out insurance issues, Mayor Noel Harty says.

"Hopefully we'll get them rebuilt and Loogooteee will look toward the future."

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