by Jamie Burch
Published: Tue, January 06, 2009 - 9:15 pm CST
Last Updated: Wed, January 07, 2009 - 7:04 pm CST
7:02 p.m.- The Milton Fire Department has finally left the scene of the fire.
- Firefighters managed to save the historic Imogene Theater. Click here to see how much damage the fire caused to the Crown Jewel of Milton.
Wednesday 5:48 p.m.
- State Fire Marshal's Office and the ATF have wrapped up their investigations.
- Milton Fire Department putting out the last of the hot spots.
Wednesday 3:05 p.m.
- Damage is estimated at $2 million.
- The fire is currently contained, with City of Milton Fire Department addressing hot spots.
- The State Fire Marshal and ATF are investigating. Officials from both agencies have been on scene since last night.
- Caroline Street (U.S. Hwy. 90) is now closed between Canal and Willing Streets until further notice. Ward Basin Road has been reopened.
- The Imogene Theater is structurally sound. While the building sustained fire, smoke and water damage, it is expected to be salvageable.
- Santa Rosa County Inspection & Compliance Department visited the site and found fairly minor structural damage to the majority of the exterior walls.
The South side, front/center appears to need engineered stabilization or removal.
The North (rear) has major damage to the center portion of the masonry walls.
The East (behind the theater) has major masonry wall damage. Interior damage to the theater is minor, with exception of the balcony area on the West.
Support beam appears to have twisted/rolled pulling the joist away from the beam.
Wednesday 12:40
- Firefighters battling hot spots, trying to keep the fire from rekindling.
- Fire Marshal is on the scene.
- Swing dancers were inside the Imogene Theater when it caught on fire. They all managed to escape safely.
- The theater was rebuilt after Hurricane Dennis.
- Vernon Compton, with the Santa Rosa Co. Historical Society, said "(The Imogene) will come back and downtown Milton will be back."
Wednesday 11:34
- Live report on News 5 News at Noon.
Wednesday 11:24 a.m.
- Due to road closures surrounding the courthouse, the Clerk’s Office has made arrangements to take payments for court cost and traffic citations at the Administration Building at 6495 Caroline Street, Suite A (behind McDonald’s/Regions Bank) from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. thru Friday, January 9.
- Recording, marriage license, passports, court filings and collections of traffic fines and court costs will be accepted at this location daily during these hours.
Wednesday 10:56 a.m.
- Caroline Street (U.S. Hwy. 90) is now closed between Canal and Willing Streets. Ward Basin Road has been reopened.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.
-Pamela Holt, Spokesperson for City of Milton, says the fire is out.
-A fire engine will remain on scene throughout the day to put out hotspots that may flare up.
-Traffic is still diverged around the area.
-The State Fire Marshall's Office will arrive later this afternoon to assess damage.
Wednesday 2:30 a.m..
- Fire is said to be under control as of 11:00pm
- Highway 90/caroline Street between Ward Basin Road and Canal Street are closed until further notice.
- A second patient has been taken to the hospital. Authorities say a woman with a pre-existing medical condition, who lives in the area, was affected by smoke from the fire.
- Firefighters from 15 different departments responded to the fire
Tuesday 10:20 p.m.
- 75 firefighters from 12 stations battling the massive fire.
- Santa Rosa County PIO Joy Tsubooka says the fire started in a small building behind the Imogene Theater.
- Strong wind is hampering firefighters efforts.
- Firefighters are trying to keep the flames from spreading to other buildings. They're also worried about the structural integrity of three of the five buildings.
- The historic Imogene Theater has only suffered minor damage.
- The injured firefighter was transported to Santa Rosa Medical Center to be treated for heat exhaustion. He is expected to be okay.
Tuesday 9:16 p.m.
Firefighters are battling a massive fire in downtown Milton.
Five buildings on Highway 90, between Canal Street and Willing Street, are on fire.
Joy Tsubooka with Santa Rosa County tells News 5 the three buildings between the historic Imogene Theater and a lawfirm are engulfed in flames. The theater and law firm have also suffered fire damage.
One firefighter has been injured. The extent of injuries unknown.
Firefighters from seven departments are battling the fire.
Highway 90 is closed from Ward Basin to Canal Street and traffic is being redirected to 1-10.
News 5 has a crew headed to the scene and will have the latest tonight on News 5 at 10:00.
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