Fire destroys historic building, shuts down street

LEXINGTON - A large fire destroyed a 150 year old building and closed down a main thoroughfare in Lexington early today.

Lexington Police report that both lanes of South Broadway were shut down as firefighters fought the blaze at 432 South Broadway at Pine Street.

The three story brick structure consumed by the flames housed a business and apartments. Firefighters first received word of the conflagration about 2 a.m. Witnesses told authorities the blaze appeared to originate on the porch and then spread.

Officials say two passersby entered the building and warned inhabitants on the top floor of the structure. Fire authorities say a University of Kentucky student, Clint Wright, stopped a passing patrol car and reported the fire.

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