At approximately 12:20 a.m. this past Sunday morning, Louisville Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire, located in the 3200 block of North Church Avenue. Upon arrival, LFD firefighters discovered Hope Missions ablaze, with heavy fire throughout the front of the store, and a large trailer on the north side of the structure also on fire. Despite dealing with heavy flames, personnel brought the fire under control in a timely manner. Louisville Fire Chief Robert Hutto credits his firefighters for their swift action and expressed his appreciation for assistance provided by East Winston VFD, Nanih Waiya VFD, PatientCare EMS, and Louisville Utilities. Hutto stated even though Louisville FD is a full-time department, in an active fire scene, mutual aid from other departments is essential, and they could not fulfill their mission without the help of volunteers. PatientCare EMS was dispatched to stand by, as they are on all active fire calls, but no personnel were injured. Hutto also reported the fire was contained to Hope Missions; however, the other two businesses located in the building did have some light smoke damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
