Someone saw smoke coming out of The Hitching Post and recognized the bicycle parked outside Prunty’s Plus. Lonnie Leek yelled to Pam Farhatt, who was inside the salon for a tanning session, to get out - “There’s a fire next door!”

Around 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 17 was when the smoke was first detected and the volunteer firemen of Middlebourne sprang into action. Sirens sounded from north and south as fire trucks flew in from Alma, Sistersville and Shirley. Everyone joined forces to fight the fire scourging through The Hitching Post Flower and Gift Shop at 228 Main Street in Middlebourne.

The shop’s co-owners, Patricia and Rosalie Keller, were watching for hours as their livelihood burned before them. They had been in business for three-and-a half years and had renters’ insurance, but it is not adequate to replace their losses. Full insurance is typically not available until a business is in existence for five years.

The Kellers rented from Larry Prunty, whose adjacent building housing the hair and tanning salon also suffered smoke and water damage. Prunty returned to Middlebourne from a family vacation around 1 p.m. Sunday. They were due to start home Aug. 17 anyway, but hurried their departure when they received the bad news by phone from their employee and friend, Farhatt.

“I am just pleased that everyone came out safely,” said Prunty. Norma Fletcher who rented an apartment at the rear of The Hitching Post was awakened and rescued from the burning building in plenty of time. Prunty reported that she already has a place to live.

Mayor Gayla Fisher was on hand to help coordinate efforts. She commented on how good it is to live in a small town where everyone pulls together. Carolyn Taylor said, “Everything came together like a puzzle.” People made sandwiches and brought coolers to keep drinks cold for the firefighters. She commented on how good a helper young Julian Work was. “There are so many people to thank,” said Taylor, wife of Fire Chief Brian Taylor.

Middlebourne Emergency Squad was also on hand to help. The squad transported a Shirley firefighter to Sistersville Hospital for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and will be finalized by the State Fire Marshall.