ALPINE, Texas — Many are feeling the shock of a fire in downtown Alpine on Sunday. Five businesses have been destroyed and residents are faced with a new reality in an area rich in history.
People around Alpine have been coming and going Tuesday, still trying to come to grips with the scene of the large fire.
"This is, I think, the worst fire that's ever been in Alpine that I can remember or anyone else can remember," said Pam Clouse, a long time Alpine resident.
Smoke is still smoldering in the rubble and ashes, as some of the old foundations remain.
"This is just complete devastation for the city of Alpine," said Catherine Eaves, mayor of Alpine. "This was one of our thriving, vibrant business areas – we had very active businesses here. It's in our tourism district."
Judy's Bed and Breakfast, Eva's Salon, Gallery On The Square, La Azteca and Vintage Antiques and Snazzy Things all ravaged by the blaze on Sunday afternoon.
"One of the business owners is a dear friend of mine, and when I spoke to her she just broke down. As you can understand she lost everything — all the way down to the scissors that she uses to cut hair with — and it's devastating because she had been in that location for decades," said Mayor Eaves.
Mayor Eaves said the building was over 100 years old. One Alpine resident told NewsWest 9 that it was the heart of the town.
The owner of Vintage Antiques and Snazzy Things watched as her store went up in flames in a matter of about seven minutes on Sunday.
"It's just really sad, it's history (and) it's gone; it will come back of course it will never be like it was, but this community is very strong – it's all like family," said Pam Clouse.
Thankfully no one was killed in the fire and next steps are being made to get the businesses up and running somewhere.
Help is needed to mend a broken heart.
"The people – a lot of these were little mom and pop shops that depended on that money for a daily income to survive," said Ken Clouse, a long time Alpine resident. "Right now they need some kind of local support to keep them going because they have no means of income for a daily income, weekly income, whatever they do it."
There will be a fundraising event called "Working Together Wednesday" on Wednesday night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Javelinas On Holland Gift Shop. Transpecos Banks has also opened a fundraiser with Historic Alpine Incorporated. Both fundraisers that will help the stores that perished in the fire.