Fire destroys businesses

The Louisa Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire, New World Video, Tanning, and Laundry at approximately 9:15 p.m. Thursday evening.
BSN photos/Brenda Hardwick

By Lilly Adkins
BSN Associate Editor

LOUISA — New World Video, Tanning Salon and Laundry Mat in Louisa was destroyed in a fire of unknown origin Thursday evening but thankfully, no injuries were reported and an arson investigator was called. New World Video, Tanning and Laundry, located on Highway 2565, is owned by Eddie and Patty Blankenship. According to information posted on the Louisa Fire Department’s Facebook page, the fire was reported at approximately 9:15 p.m. and upon their arrival, heavy fire was already venting through the tanning section of the business. The fire department responded with three engines, a tower and three chief’s vehicles, the release said. The fire department also said they would like to thank Ft. Gay, Big Sandy, Fallsburg, Lowmansville and Inez Fire Departments, and Lawrence County Emergency Management for providing manpower in helping fight the structure fire. Both sides of the road were closed for several hours, as the fire teams worked to put out the blaze. Louisa Mayor Harold Slone and his wife Marsha also offered prayers to the business owners, thanked the fire fighters for their service, for putting their lives on the line, and for putting out the fire and expressed that they would be with the owners going forward.