Lovely County Citizen: Local News: First snowfall greeted by flames (02/14/12)

Firefighters were called to battle a blaze at 157 West Van Buren in Eureka Springs early Monday morning. Personnel were on scene for nine hours, and no other structure was involved. The building is likely a total loss. Photos by C.D. White

The first night of real winter weather generated some heat for Eureka Springs emergency response personnel. Firefighters were called out to battle a blaze in town for several hours early Monday morning as snow fell, roads became slick and thick smoke obscured visibility.

The fire began around 2 -- 2:30 a.m. in an unoccupied building at 157 W. Van Buren across from Bubba's Barbecue. Several businesses have been located in the structure over the years, but none was currently operating at the time of the fire.

Firefighters had to don oxygen gear due to acrid smoke being pushed downward toward street level by the weather. Flames were observed shooting from the roof at the rear of the building into nearby trees. Fortunately the fire did not catch and spread through the treetops, thanks in part to the damp snow.

Fire engines, along with ambulances and other response vehicles, were on the scene until daylight to make sure the fire was completely quenched. From the time the fire started, around nine hours had elapsed before the last response vehicle left the scene.

By daybreak it was apparent the structure, although still standing, had been completely burned out, with the roof collapsed in several places. The building is likely to be declared a total loss. The out-of-state owner has been notified.

At press time, the fire was still being investigated and no cause has yet been given.

Good job ESFD.

-- Posted by rockpilefarmer on Wed, Feb 15, 2012, at 8:47 PM

Great Photo work.

-- Posted by J.R.Jones on Thu, Feb 16, 2012, at 10:19 AM

Thanks ESFD for quick response and containing the fire. Photos are wonderful.

-- Posted by penny sullivan on Thu, Feb 16, 2012, at 4:34 PM