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A major fire broke out on the east side of the Gallatin business square at approximately 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 5. Flames erupted in the business space occupied by Shelter Insurance with a soft wind pushing the fire southward into Eileine’s Beauty Shop. Both of these businesses are completely destroyed.
Unofficially, State Farm Insurance is also thought to be a complete loss. Flowers Unlimited suffered significant smoke and water damage but the building seems intact. Any damage to Subway is not thought to be as severe. Although previously thought to be damaged, Hospice Advantage now appears only slightly damaged with electricity returned into service.
Skillful and prompt response from volunteer firefighters helped keep the tragedy from being significantly worse.
Firewalls, which separated the building engulfed in flames, helped limit the damage. By 3:20 p.m. the fire was close to being under control with ladder trucks from Cameron and Bethany playing a key role. Fortunately, and unlike last week, weather temperatures were above freezing for those responding to fight the fire. Firefighters continued safeguarding the smoking debris during the night.
When the fire erupted, flames raged over 100 feet above ground in billowing black smoke that could be seen for many miles.
Volunteer firefighters from Gallatin arrived promptly at the scene as law officers vacated people from the adjoining businesses and directed traffic away from the street. Other fire responders also arrived from nearby towns, including Jameson, Jamesport, and the KAW Fire District. Trenton firefighters appeared on the scene just before 2 p.m. with the ladder truck, allowing firefighters better access above the burning buildings. Other fire departments including Bethany, Coffey and more also assisted.
Heat was intense. A car parked on North Main, owned by Chasidy Lynch who couldn’t be initially located, was heat damaged before it was towed away. Electric utility lines popped and dropped and sparks flew about as the fire raged on.
Eileine Rhoades and Linda Hughes were alone in the beauty shop when Eileine smelled smoke apparently coming from a back room of Shelter Insurance next door. By the time Eileine called 911 and stepped outside, flames had erupted and front glass windows shattered as highway patrolmen on the scene were evacuating people from all buildings along that side of the square.
Shelter Agent Tom Garnett was not at the agency when the fire began.
Richard and Julie Reynolds were in their flower shop when a patrolman entered to sound the alarm. Richard told Julie to “grab the cats and the cash” …Julie saved one cat but the other cat got away despite Richard later re-entering the building in an attempted rescue.
The City of Gallatin has warned Gallatin residents that they may experience discolored water, due to the heavy water usage at the fire.
At this time, there is only speculation about the cause of the fire. More details will be posted as they become known.