Friends in Madisonville fire

Nope, not suspicious at all.

Got lit up?

I heard, but have no confirmation, that there wasn't even power there. Apparently there was a party there last night that was powered by a generator. I agree that it looks suspicious.

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Assclowns

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You are the epitome of brilliance in your own mind. If no other savings were involved or insurance fraud issues, the owners saved demolition expenses.

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If no other savings were involved or insurance fraud issues, the owners saved demolition expenses.

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Are you kidding? The risk to other people's property, the need for fire department response & risk to FD personnel....if it is determined that the fire was set, send those owners a bill for wasting the fire department's time. Yes, there was a "cost" involved.

The flames were easily 60'-80' high at the peak of the fire. You could still see burning embers in the smoke column probably 125'-150' (or more) high. It's a good thing is wasn't a windy night, or they might have set other homes, businesses or boats on fire. It had been burning for 20 or 30 minutes before I saw the first fire hose spraying. I dont know if there was a hydrant or water pressure problem, but it appeared that they were pumping from the river.

There was a party/gathering on the top deck yesterday. I assume the owners were having a little farewell party before the building was demolished. The fire started after 11:00pm and the roof and 2nd floor had collapsed by around 11:40-ish. There were too many fire and police units to count. I'm amazed that nearby structures and boats didn't burn. I could feel the heat from across the river.

Right, if one was inclined to do such a thing. But if the owner torched the place, he better be ready for some severe scrutiny. The place has been closed since Isaac. I assume the utilities were disconnected some time ago. I doubt any demolition prep work started last night. If demo was to start today, as rumored, it seems the party goers would have hauled their generator and fuel out at the end of their party.

Maybe the party was still going on after 11 and someone screwed up fueling the generator... I'm sure arson investigators from the state and Friends insurance carrier will be asking many questions.

I live in Madisonville and you hear things on the river and around town, but I've always taken it with a grain of salt. All of the "info" I've heard was well past 2nd hand.

The structure flooded about 42" deep during Isaac, based on personal observation, by looking at an interior waterline through a window. Right after the storm, I heard that the owner's had 12 months of business interruption insurance and that they were in no particular hurry to renovate and reopen. I also heard that they were trying to build a new restaurant w/ a couple condos/townhouses on top, but had problems with height restrictions. I believe a revised restaurant only plan had been approved. Allegedly, demolition was to begin today.

There was a gathering of people on the top deck yesterday afternoon. I assume it was a farewell/good riddance party.

I don't know if the property has changed ownership in the last year. I do know that the new structure was to be larger - higher, if not necessarily a larger footprint.

In my opinion, it would be phenomenally stupid for the owners to get involved in arson and insurance fraud, but who knows? If I had to guess, it was kids screwing around or a improperly disposed cigarette. If some kind of accelerant was used, those dogs will find it. The place is still smoldering, but there were several vehicles labeled arson or fire investigation parked at yhe site when I went by this morning.