KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Firefighters from several departments battled a fire Monday afternoon that destroyed at least three popular businesses in a Smithville strip mall.
U.S. 169 Highway is closed in both directions at Main Street due to the blaze. Smithville police report traffic is being diverted "as best as it can," but the highway is expected to be shut down for an extended period of time.
"Please be patient as first responders work to protect our community," the police department posted on Facebook.
Ladder trucks from Smithville and Kansas City, Missouri, shot water down into the burning businesses.
La Fuente, a Mexican restaurant, posted on its Facebook page about the fire.
"Thank you everyone for your concerns, everyone is safe, we will remain closed until farther notice, we lost everything, we will update of what the next step will be ! Thanks you again ! Also we would like to thank our first responders for all the work they did to put the fire out !" the restaurant posted.
Along with La Fuente, a Pizza Shoppe, Chinese restaurant, H&R Block tax office and other businesses sustained severe smoke and fire damage.
One woman posted on Facebook about her fond memories of eating at the Pizza Shoppe, calling the loss "heartbreaking."
No reports of any injuries. All parties inside the businesses were able to safely evacuate.
KSHB 41 has a photographer at the scene. We will provide updates when they are available.
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