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Fayetteville officials, Main Street mobilize relief after downtown fire; $10,455 raised
Summary
City leaders and Main Street described emergency response and recovery steps after a downtown fire that destroyed four structures, praised interagency firefighting efforts, and reported $10,455 raised for affected merchants while the city coordinates insurance, safety fencing and grant work.
Kevin Clark, president of Fayetteville Main Street, told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Feb. 10 that the organization had immediately launched a recovery effort after a downtown fire and, as of about an hour before the meeting, had raised $10,455 to help affected businesses. "As of about an hour ago, we've raised $10,455," Clark said, describing an online donation page and plans to open an in‑person bank account at Bank of Lincoln County for donors who prefer not to give online.
Clark said the organization was coordinating one‑on‑one assistance with the Small Business Development Center and had shared contact information with Servpro and United Way so affected merchants and property owners can access cleanup and recovery resources. He also said local partners had pledged in‑kind help: the business 2 Hix with Styx donated 100 meals and the Power of 100 Women committed its quarterly contributions to downtown merchants.
Mayor (unnamed) praised the combined city and mutual‑aid response, saying the operation saved nine buildings even though four structures were lost and three firefighters suffered injuries and "they're all gonna be okay." Chief Bergman reported the department used about 1,300,000 gallons of water to contain the blaze. The mayor thanked multiple fire departments, volunteer crews, public works, parks staff and Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) for shutting off utilities and supporting firefighting efforts.
City Administrator Kevin Owens said the city is preparing recovery logistics, including site security and traffic control, coordinating with merchants on rebuilding plans and pursuing funding options. "We are looking at doing a Community Development Block Grant application," Owens said; the city plans to compile grant materials in the coming weeks with an application due in March and asked board members to submit concerns to staff assisting with the grant application.
The meeting record shows officials erected fencing around the fire site to keep the public out of hazardous areas (the buildings had basements), said they will work with insurance companies and property owners, and urged caution about where donors send contributions so funds reach merchants directly. The mayor closed the meeting by thanking volunteers and partners and adjourned.
