Above: The Livingston Manor Fire Department responds to a fire after an explosion at the Lazy Beagle, a restaurant at 2 Pearl Street in Livingston Manor. Photo taken at 4:10pm; reproduced with permission from the Liberty Independent. The Indy also has several other photos of the fire on their Facebook wall.
A fire has broken out at 2 Pearl Street in Livingston Manor -- the result of an explosion, according to witnesses at the scene.
One eyewitness to the explosion said the buildings engulfed by roaring flames include Willow and Brown, The Lazy Beagle, Hot Corner Collectables and artist lofts above the businesses. "I think the whole thing is going to go," said an eyewitness standing near the fire.
The Liberty Independent writes via Facebook that the Livingston Manor Fire Department was quick to respond to the scene.
Update: 9:30pm: The fire destroyed four businesses in the historic Hoos building at 2 Pearl Street: The Lazy Beagle, Willow and Brown, Moose-Be-Morning Cafe and Hot Corner Sports Collectibles.
The Sullivan County Democrat, whose reporter Dan Hust was on the scene, has more photographs from the fire on Facebook. Livingston Manor Ink, a local youth-run newspaper, also has a gallery of photos from the blaze.
The Lazy Beagle posted several updates on Facebook about the fire, including a heartfelt thank-you to first responders:
Look beyond the fire, and you see so many men and women who so bravely volunteer their time to keep us safe. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEART to all of the responders from so many different companies. You are the backbone of our community, our strength and our heroes. Thank you so much.
Below: A few photos of the blaze taken by Livingston Manor resident Robert Tuttle; reproduced by permission.
