Published: June 10, 2006 12:10 am      

Fire damages two businesses

The stench of freshly burned wood, soaked with water, permeated the air Friday — the result of an early-morning fire at two midtown businesses.

While local fire officials said there is no obvious indication the blaze was set, more than one investigative agency will be looking into its causes.

“Who would set a building on fire? I just don’t understand,” said a stunned Kim Blanton, owner of Dream Bodies Personal Fitness Studio.

The fitness facility, located at 2131 24th Ave., sustained fire, smoke and water damage, said Meridian Fire Chief Jeff L. Homan.

Point Rexall Drug and Gifts, located next door at 2127 24th Ave., also received smoke damage in the morning fire.

“Once we get the electricity on, we will be able to take care of our customers’ prescriptions,” said Ginger Willis, who, along with her brother Mayor John Robert Smith, is co-owner of the 55-year-old, family-owned business.

According to Homan, the fire department received the call at 3:20 a.m. When the first unit arrived on the scene at 3:23, the south side of the building — adjacent to Dream Bodies — was fully involved in flames.

“The fire was not actually inside Dream Bodies; it was on that side of the building — in the storage area,” Homan said. “The guys got in and they cut it off and held it to the south end of the building.”

The blaze is under investigation by the local fire department, with assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

“That doesn’t mean it’s suspicious,” Homan said of the federal investigators’ involvement. “But anytime there is a big commercial building with major property loss, we like to have interjection from a third party.”

Dream Bodies sustained some equipment loss and damage.

“The treadmills will definitely have to be replaced,” said Blanton, who moved to the location five years ago. “The weight equipment has smoke damage, but that can be cleaned up.”

Firefighters were able to remove computers from both businesses.

“They did an excellent job,” Willis said. “The firemen could not have been more understanding and helpful under a very stressful situation.”