Investigators search cause of Horseshoe Bend blaze that destroyed businesses

Investigators were searching Tuesday for the cause of a large fire that heavily damaged the upper level of Horsehoe Bend’s Diamond B Mall and destroyed several businesses, after flames broke out late Monday afternoon.

Multiple area fire departments responded and battled the blaze into the night while crews worked to secure the scene and check for hot spots, officials and local news outlets reported. No official casualty report was released by authorities in initial accounts.

City officials said monetary donations are being accepted for affected merchants at Horseshoe Bend City Hall and at the city water department office at 704 West Commerce Street; donations will be divided among the businesses damaged in the fire.

Photos and eyewitness posts shared on local social media showed heavy smoke and firefighters on scene as neighbors and motorists were asked to avoid the area while emergency crews operated. Authorities did not immediately release an estimate of damage or a timeline for reopening the roadway and surrounding properties.

Fire investigators were at the site Tuesday conducting a preliminary examination to determine the origin and cause of the blaze, officials said.