Fire destroys two downtown Douglas businesses

Two downtown Douglas businesses were destroyed in a fire that broke out on Monday afternoon and burned late into the night. The blaze started at the Used to Be Yours building on East Center Street, sending thick black smoke into the air. Firefighters worked to contain the flames until Tuesday morning. Mayor Kim Pexton confirmed that the Used to Be Yours Consignment Boutique and the 307 Vape Shop were completely lost.

Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after police received reports of smoke just after 1 p.m. They found heavy smoke already billowing from the structure. Officers closed downtown streets to make room for emergency vehicles. At 2:29 p.m., the police department issued a warning that downtown was closed. The fire remained active well into the night as crews battled hot spots.

The fire also damaged neighboring historic properties. The College Inn Bar at 103 N. Second St. survived the flames but suffered extensive smoke and water damage. Its owners reported damage to the brickwork on the south side of the building. The Corner Barber Shop nearby also sustained damage. The Princess Theatre, located a short distance away, reported heavy smoke damage but no water damage. Owner Sara Borton said inspectors had not yet finished assessing the impact on the theater's specialized screen and sound barriers.

The building where the fire started has a long history in Douglas. The site once held the Steffen Drug Store, which opened in 1887. The current structure was built around 1920 and later housed RD Pharmacy. Pexton said losing buildings that have stood for nearly as long as the city was painful. She noted that residents know most business owners by their first names. A community meeting was scheduled for Tuesday morning at the local hospital to discuss ways to help affected owners.

Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire. The Wyoming State Fire Marshal arrived on scene around 9 p.m. Monday. As of Tuesday morning, no cause had been announced. The extent of structural damage to the remaining buildings is also unknown. It is not yet clear if damaged structures can be repaired or will require demolition.

A retired Campbell County firefighter, Dan Smith, watched the response from across the street. He noted that crews used an exterior attack because it was unsafe to enter the building initially. The fire appeared to burn deep within the structure, sending turbulent smoke from the roof. Smith said wind did not appear to be a major factor. Residents praised the fire department for keeping the blaze from spreading further through the downtown district.