LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than 100 firefighters worked to put out a massive fire in downtown Louisville late Wednesday night.
Louisville Fire said the fire was reported at 11:51 p.m. in the 400 block of West Market Street. That's directly across from the new Derby City Gaming location, which is under construction.
Fire crews were on scene within two minutes, according to LFD, to find heavy flames throughout the five-story building.
One firefighter was taken to the hospital for treatment after part of the building collapsed, but they were later released in good condition. With concerns over the building's stability, LFD spokesperson Donovan Sims said, "we just want to take all the precautions we need to."
At this time, it's unclear how the fire started.
Floors 2-5 of the building are vacant, while the first floor is occupied by "Osaka" sushi restaurant.
Jay Cruz, who frequents the restaurant, came by for lunch on Wednesday to find a charred mess.
"I was craving some Osaka and then," he said, pointing back to the burned restaurant, "Boom." With the scene before him, he snapped a few pictures on his film camera. It usually looks different.
"Monday, Tuesday and Fridays, it's always packed...now I'm trying to find where to go for the sushi rolls," Cruz said.
The Salad Chic, next door to Osaka, is closed until further notice, according to the owner's Facebook page. Louisville Fire said the blaze didn't reach that restaurant, but it suffered water damaged. Nearby sports bar, The GRUV, was closed for the day but plans to reopen Friday.
Osaka and The Salad Chic operated through the COVID-19 pandemic. So did Vincenzo's, a nearly 38-year Louisville staple.
"Trying to break through that and come back—we welcome everyone. Although losing one restaurant impacts all of us. We are all part of a downtown family and we hope that Osaka will be able to welcome guests soon."
All three restaurants are family businesses. Bailey called the burn "heartbreaking," and said Osaka was its family's heart and soul.
Cruz called the fire a "minor setback before a major comeback."
Arson investigators are working to determine the cause. The ATF is assisting.
We will update this story with more information as we learn more.
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