Saturday, November 13 was a very long day for many firefighters in southern Indiana.

According to fire chief Dutch Parks, the Fire Marshall estimated that the fire started around 3 a.m. but Paoli firefighters were not called to the fire until 7:25 am.

“We are undetermined at this time on what caused the fire,” said Parks.

The building on the southwest portion of the square was built in 1880, and originally housed the first bank and pharmacy in Orange County. The building contained seventeen apartments at the time of the fire.

“Heavy equipment moved the rubbage to get the bottom debris in the basement,” said Parks.

Everyone was able to evacuate the building before the fire without any harm or injuries. EMS workers were at the scene of the fire with oxygen to assist firefighters who may have suffered smoke inhalation.

“Many other stations had to be called out because of the water issue,” said Parks.

Twenty-eight different stations were called out to help with the fire. Included in the fight were departments from Jasper, Bedford, Salem, Livonia, Corydon, Bloomington, Crane-Naval, Shawswick, Loogootee, Davies County, Martin County, Lafayette Township, Brown City, Mitchell, Martinsburg, Scottsburg, Eastern Pekin, Floyd Central, Celestine, Orleans Southeast Districts 1 and 2, Posey Township, Palmyra, Greenville, Schnellville, Indian Creek, West Baden and French Lick all came out to help with the water supply.

In addition to trained firemen, local farmers got involved in the fight.

“Also many local farmers helped by hauling water from their own water supply or from nearby creeks,” said Parks.

The Paoli fire department was also well represented in the fight. Seventeen  Paoli firefighters were at the scene for 36 hours.

Nothing is known at this time as to what will become of the southwest part of the square. The property owner will make all decisions about rebuilding.

Story by Shelby Waynick & Tasha Tedrow

Photo by Breanna Daugherty

Photo by Breanna Daugherty

Photo by Breanna Daugherty

Photo by Breanna Daugherty

Photo by Breanna Daugherty

Photo by Breanna Daugherty

Photo by Breanna Daugherty