Firefighters from departments across multiple counties teamed up to combat a massive blaze in downtown Williamsburg Tuesday night into Wednesday morning that has left several businesses in ruins.
“It’s about as bad as it can get, I guess,” said Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison while surveying the damage Wednesday. “When you look at the block, and two-thirds of the block is gone… it’s made me sick.”
The general consensus is that the fire likely began somewhere in, or very close to, the Law Offices of Croley and Foley, which is located near the corner of 2nd and Main streets in downtown. Assistant Fire Chief Troy Thomas said that the exact point of origin and initial cause of the fire is now under investigation, and that it is still too early to know for sure what happened.
“An old building like this, it could be a thousand different things,” Thomas said when asked about initial indications of what might have sparked the flames.
Thomas confirmed that there was no loss of life, and only minor injuries to a couple of firefighters – one who apparently injured his foot, and another who may have cut his hand.
Thomas said that he was impressed with the amount of firefighters that came to downtown Williamsburg to assist with the emergency. A comprehensive list of all agencies is being compiled, but personnel included first responders from all over Whitley County, including Corbin, as well as Knox, Laurel and McCreary counties.
“It was amazing,” Thomas said of the response. “I think at one point we had four ladder trucks on the scene. It was a group effort, and I really appreciate their help.”
Thomas also commented that this was the worst structure fire that he has ever responded to in his 22 years as a firefighter, simply adding, “It’s sad.”
Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White, Jr. echoed those sentiments, saying, “I certainly have not seen anything like this in Williamsburg. It is as terrible tragedy, but we are thankful that nobody was seriously injured, and we are thankful for all of the hard work of the first responders and firemen. What a great showing it was of community to see so many departments all turning out to work together and help contain this fire. We’re very thankful for them.”
The fire quickly spread from the area of the law office, eventually consuming several adjoining businesses. Others that were not destroyed sustained severe smoke and/or water damage. A number of upstairs apartment units were also destroyed, but officials confirmed that all occupants were safely removed.
“We’re still assessing right now,” Mayor Harrison said around noon Wednesday. “We are waiting for the building inspector and the ATF to come and give a really good assessment of what we need to do going forward.”
Harrison said that, until the assessment is complete, Main Street will be shut down in the immediate area of the fire. For now, traffic is being re-routed around the old courthouse to avoid the main downtown area, with a pattern similar to that which is used during the annual Old Fashioned Trading Days Festival. He said that signs will be in place to advise motorists where to go.
Both the old courthouse and the Whitley County Judicial Center were closed Wednesday as crews continue working to secure the scene and begin cleanup efforts. Judge White said that he thought both would be back open again on Thursday.
More details will be provided as they become available.
