Tuesday fire destroys Main Street structure in El Dorado Springs; building collapses

Spectators and fire crews from El Dorado, Walker and Stockton watch as the building that once housed Byler's Cafe at 124 N Main in El Dorado Springs collapses from an early morning blaze. The El Dorado Springs Fire Department responded to a call at 124 N. Main Street, reporting a structure fire at the now vacant restaurant, at about 8:45 a.m. Upon their arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke blocking Main Street with some flames visible at the front of the building. Through the smoke, fire crews saw a large portion of the structure on fire. Flames quickly grew and engulfed the entire structure. Walker and Stockton emergency crews joined El Dorado to help battle the fire shortly after 9 a.m. H&R Block employees where called in to their facility, which is connected to the north side of the old cafe, to retrieve what supplies and equipment they could in fear of the fire spreading. The fire was contained thanks to the fire departments efforts; however, El Dorado Springs Fire Chief Owen Elliot did report some damage to the common wall shared by H&R Block and Byler's. Depending on the extent of this damage, the structure housing H&R Block may have to be demolished. Firefighters worked until around 8 p.m., fighting the fire, and were commended on their efforts and hard work by Elliot. He said, "All the fire departments did a good job containing the fire to one building." He went on to say, "There are about five businesses in a row on that block, and I think the guys did a good job controlling the fire." Throughout the ordeal several residents and local businesses offered their services and facilities to help the firefighters. Elliot expressed appreciation for their efforts, saying, " We would like to thank the people who brought us water and allowed us to use their facilities to rest and warm up." The cause of the fire is still under investigation and no injuries have been reported.