Photo by Cathy Franklin

LBFD Public Information Officer / Firefighter Jake Heflin tells LBREPORT.com a call reporting the fire came in at about 3:26 a.m. (Oct. 18) and Engine 2 was first on scene at about 3:30 a.m. A total of five engines, two rescues, three trucks and two Battalion Chiefs ultimately responded to battle the blaze.

Three firefighters received second degree burns -- developed blisters on their ears -- from intense heat over time as they battled the blaze.

A heat-melted sign at 965 E. 4th St. reflects a book swap store on site, but PIO Heflin says it's wasn't immediately clear if that business or an adjacent applicance location were affected; the businesses shared a common wall and there were appliances in the burned area.

Photo by Cathy Franklin

There was significant fire damage, PIO Hefltin says, and firefighters remained on scene well after knock-down to perform suppression, overhaul and ventilation actions.