More than 100 firefighters battle a fire in downtown Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than 100 firefighters spent hours early Thursday morning battling a massive fire at a five-story building in downtown Louisville.

Louisville Fire Public Information Officer Capt. Donovan Sims said the call came in at 11:51 p.m. Wednesday for smoke in the 400 block of West Market Street. Fire crews arrived on scene within two minutes to find smoke and flames coming out of a five-story commercial building. The only tenant is Osaka Japanese Restaurant, which occupies the ground floor space in the building. The other floors are vacant.

"We actually escalated to a three-alarm fire," Sims said.

The Salad Chic, which is located next door at 428 W. Market St., also suffered damage because of the fire, mostly from water. A post on the restaurant's Facebook page says it will be "closed until further notice."

Mark Mulloy, one of several people who came downtown Thursday morning to see the damage, said he's part of some LLCs that own property downtown, including the building that houses The Salad Chic.

"My guess is it's probably a total loss," Mulloy said. "It was badly involved."

He said getting the call in the middle of the night about the fire was "just awful" and he wants people to keep supporting the downtown area.

"Keep believing in downtown, because downtown is prospering and downtown is revitalizing," Mulloy said. "This is a wonderful block that will continue to be a wonderful block so keep coming downtown and keep believing in downtown Louisville."

Kenya Jackson also came downtown Thursday, hoping she would be able to help. She said her friend is the owner of The Salad Chic restaurant.

"I've got goosebumps right now talking about it," Jackson said, looking at the damage. "She tries her best, she does her best and she's a good hearted person. I love her to death. If (there's) anything I can do, I don't mind helping at all."

As of 5 p.m. Thursday, the intersection of 5th and Market streets remained closed while fire crews were still on scene. Sims said he wasn't sure when the road would be able to reopen.

One firefighter was hurt when part of the building collapsed and was taken to the hospital. Sims said that firefighter has since been released from the hospital.

LFD Arson investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

Sims said it's too soon to know if the damage is extensive enough to require demolition.