Fire breaks out at Lafayette Tire Co. on Johnston Street
According to our media partners at KATC, the fire broke out at Lafayette Tire Co. on Johnston Street near Mimosa Street at approximately 12:45 a.m. Wednesday. The time of the initial call was provided by the Lafayette Parish Communication District.
Firefighters continued working at the property for several hours. As of approximately 4:30 a.m., crews were still at the scene, according to KATC.
Details about the extent of the damage have not yet been released. There has also been no official word on what may have started the fire or whether any injuries were reported.
Johnston Street traffic impacted Wednesday morning
The fire scene was still creating some issues for motorists during the Wednesday morning commute.
Drivers traveling through the area just before 7 a.m. reported that traffic was moving, but fire trucks and emergency personnel remained near the property.
Motorists also reported a significant amount of water covering portions of the roadway around the scene, likely from firefighting operations. Drivers heading through the Johnston Street and Mimosa Street area should use additional caution and be prepared for possible delays while crews continue their work.
Building has a long history along Johnston Street
The property may also be familiar to longtime Lafayette residents for what occupied the building before Lafayette Tire Co.
The building was formerly home to Cal’s Western Store, a longtime Lafayette business that closed in 2017 after 58 years in operation.
That history makes the overnight fire particularly noticeable for residents who have watched businesses come and go along this heavily traveled stretch of Johnston Street over the decades.
Lafayette Fire Department details still pending
We are awaiting additional information from the Lafayette Fire Department regarding the extent of the fire, damage to the building, whether anyone was inside at the time, and what investigators believe caused the blaze.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
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