Fire Damages Several Downtown Businesses

CLEVELAND — A fire at a Cleveland strip mall damaged half a dozen buildings Sunday afternoon, but there were no reports of injuries.

Cleveland and White County firefighters were called to the complex at 195 East Jarrard St., at 5:05 p.m.

Cleveland Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt said, “It appears it originated in the second unit, extended into the ceiling and burned evidently through the floor into the attic of the basement units.”

Firefighters were able to contain the fire in the upstairs unit first, then worked to extinguish the fire in the downstairs businesses.

“A total of at least five units have heat and water damage,” Pruitt added.

Four units upstairs were occupied; others were unoccupied. Styles and Smiles and Horizon Appraisals are among the businesses known to be damaged at this time.

Firefighters from Lee Arrendale State Prison also responded to assist.

State Fire Investigator Brian Smith remained on scene at 8 p.m. Sunday, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.