Fire destroys historic building

SCOTTSBURG, Ind. (WISH) - Authorities in southern Indiana are investigating the cause of an explosion that started a fire that destroyed two buildings, including one dating to early 1900s.

The fire happened early Thursday in Scottsburg, about 50 miles north of Louisville.

Firefighters told 24-Hour News 8 news partner WLKY-TV that after an explosion was reported at the FM Garriott building on the city’s courthouse square, they arrived to find the front of the building blown out and a fire burning inside.

The roof collapsed soon after.

"The age of the building is the biggest tackle, cause you are dealing with multiple layers of flooring, multiple layers of roofing, fire walls that have been knocked through for remodeling purposes," said Scottsburg Fire Department Chief James Richey.

The fire also breached the wall of an adjacent movie theater, but firefighters were able to put out the flames and save the theater.

The building housed a financial services office and a dentist's office, The Associated Press reports. Building owner Sandee Owens said it was undergoing renovations and only a portion was leased.

The fire remains under investigation.