Fire in the town square in Gallatin destroyed two businesses and damaged adjacent buildings Wednesday afternoon.

One firefighter was hit by some falling debris in the firefighting effort. He was checked out by paramedics and immediately returned to the massive effort to put out the blaze. There were no other injuries.

Fourteen Gallatin firefighters were joined by 75 others from 13 agencies in the area. A total of 16 fire engines, a rescue unit and three ladder trucks responded.

Fire Chief Doug Hamilton of the Gallatin Fire Protection District said a says the fire broke out at 12:46 pm Wednesday at 113 North Main Street in the Shields of Shelter Insurance agency. It was reported by the proprietor of Eileine’s Salon at 111 North Main, which shares the same building as the insurance agency. There was also an occupied apartment on the second floor, but no one was at home at the time of the fire.

The building that the fire was in has been completely knocked down. There were still some hot spots Wednesday evening, and firefighters were expected to remain on the scene for quite some time, according to Dana Carder, the 911 Dispatch Supervisor for Daviess County. Her office is across the street from the fire.

Chief Hamilton says fire was observed shooting out of the first level windows upon their arrival, and had extended to the second floor. That fire broke through the roof, and extended to the roof and second floor of the building immediately to the north. There was light smoke and water damage to the building directly to the south.

Once it’s safe to do so, Ms Carder said business owners along the east side of the town square will be escorted into their property to retrieve their belongings and inspect the damage.

The Missouri State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the fire. They have not yet determined the cause.