Fire destroys historic area

Ten to 15 fire departments fought the blaze.
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) -- Fire that raged through Fort Scott's historic downtown destroyed at least seven buildings and damaged about a half-dozen others, the fire chief said Saturday. No one was injured.
Strong wind fanned the blaze, which started just before 2 p.m. Friday in The Other Bar on Main Street, Mayor Gary Billionis said.
Firefighters remained at the scene Saturday.
The cause of the blaze had not yet been determined, city officials told merchants Saturday. They estimated property losses in the millions of dollars.
At least seven buildings were gutted, Fire Chief Jeff Davis said.
Those buildings and possibly two others will have to be demolished, then rebuilt to conform with the historical nature of the downtown area, City Manager Richard Niendstedt added.
Many departments helped
Fire departments from 10 to 15 nearby communities fought the blaze and two Kansas Army National Guard helicopters dropped water.
The mayor said flames jumped from roof to roof less than two blocks from old Fort Scott Army post, built in 1842 and now a historic attraction.
The three- and four-story buildings, between 100 and 140 years old, are brick with wooden interiors. They house antique stores, restaurants, other retail shops and offices.
"Part of the history of our town was lost today," Billionis said.
Fort Scott, home of about 8,200 people, is about 90 miles south of Kansas City, Mo.