LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The former Okolona public library building has sustained extensive damage after a fire broke out early Friday evening.
All lanes of Preston Highway between Outer Loop and McCawley Road were closed due to the fire, according to Metro Emergency Services.
Crews responded just after 5 p.m. to the emply building on Preston Highway near Lone Oak Avenue. That's not far from the Outer Loop.
Fire crews said it took them about an hour to gain control of the fire.
Officials are investigating the cause, but said this isn't their first time out at the building.
"A lot of times it's the winter, they're trying to stay warm so they have a fire," Okolona Fire Marshal Frankie Nalley said. "We don't have a clue why a fire would start on a day like today because again, cold weather, you're gonna be trying to stay warm and something gets out of control. During hot weather, I have no idea without going in and seeing what is going on."
Firefighters said the old Okolona Library branch has been abandoned for more than two years.
According to Louisville Metro Government's website, the property was under contract back in June of 2021.
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