News Summary

A significant fire erupted in a multi-story building on Patchen Drive in Lexington, causing extensive damage to several businesses and residences. Firefighters responded swiftly, extinguishing the blaze within half an hour. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but the community faces concerns regarding safety and security following the incident. Local businesses, including Expose’ Hair Design and Express Employment Professionals, were notably impacted, with ongoing investigations into the cause of the fire and a call for community vigilance.

Lexington: Fire Breaks Out in Multi-Story Building on Patchen Drive, Damaging Multiple Businesses and Residences

Firefighters responded to a significant fire at a multi-story building located at 154 Patchen Drive in Lexington on Saturday, affecting several businesses and residences. The incident began on the second and third floors of the building around 5:01 p.m., and firefighters arrived within three minutes to tackle the blaze.

By 5:30 p.m., the fire had been extinguished, with crews continuing to address remaining hot spots. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported following this incident, which has caused considerable damage to the Patchen Village property, known for its mix of retail, office spaces, and loft apartments.

Impact on Local Businesses

Among the businesses affected is Expose’ Hair Design, which appeared to be directly below the area that suffered significant fire damage. Witnesses reported seeing smoke drift from the building shortly after the fire began.

Another business, Express Employment Professionals, experienced a fire caused by an apparent arson early on Saturday morning. The owner reported that someone broke a window, resulting in approximately $100,000 in damages. The impact of this incident goes beyond mere property damage; it affects employees and job candidates associated with the business. The owner is now seeking assistance from the community in the form of surveillance footage taken between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Saturday to help identify the perpetrator.

Ongoing Investigation

The Lexington Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire, with assessments still underway to better understand how the fire spread and its origin. The situation at Patchen Drive has raised immediate concerns among local business owners regarding safety and security in the area.

Community Response and Recovery

In the wake of the fire, community support has been notable. The owner of Express Employment Professionals has expressed gratitude toward the Building Industry Association and Paul Davis Restoration for their assistance during the recovery process. While her immediate business operations are impacted, she plans to continue in a temporary location above her usual site as rebuilding efforts commence.

Background Context

The Patchen Village property is a bustling center consisting of various shops and apartments, contributing to the vibrancy of the Lexington area. Past incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of urban buildings to fire hazards, especially those that house both residential and commercial entities. Local authorities have reiterated the importance of community vigilance and collaboration in preventing such incidents.

The fast response from the Lexington Fire Department underscores the city’s commitment to fire safety and preparedness. As investigations continue, further updates on the fire’s origin, damage assessment, and community support efforts are expected to be released.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• LEX 18 News
• Kentucky.com
• Fox 56 News
• WKYT News
• WTVQ News
• Wikipedia: Fire Safety
• Google Search: Fire Incident in Lexington
• Google Scholar: Fire Safety Management
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
• Google News: Fire in Lexington

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.