A Halloween night fire caused damage to two businesses in downtown Batesville on Tuesday, according to Main Street Batesville.
The organization reported that fire trucks arrived at Lower Main Street after an evacuation began. The Batesville Fire Department responded to the scene within three minutes of the initial call.
Studio Salon and Mr. Wheeler’s Boot and Shoe Repair sustained damage from the blaze. No injuries were reported in the incident.
While the nearby Melba Theater and Oliver’s Card House did not suffer structural damage, both businesses will remain closed for several days as additional assessments are conducted, Main Street Batesville said.
The organization expressed gratitude to emergency responders. "To every firefighter, first responder, law enforcement officer, and individual who stepped forward to help protect our downtown and the people in it, thank you," the organization said in a statement. "Those minutes mattered. Your courage, training, and willingness to run toward danger when others are running away do not go unnoticed."
Main Street Batesville also highlighted the importance of community safety. "Above all else, we are incredibly thankful that no injuries were reported. Buildings can be repaired. Storefronts can be rebuilt. But the lives of the people who make this community what it is are irreplaceable," the statement added.
No further details about the cause of the fire were released at this time. Additional updates may follow as assessments continue.