By AP
Owensboro, KY – One of Owensboro's costliest fires in decades is being blamed on lightning.
Owensboro fire marshall Steve Leonard says a preliminary investigation yesterday targeted a lightning strike as the cause of a three alarm blaze that gutted Peachtree Antique Gallery and Mall. The Sunday fire destroyed hundreds of antiques.
Owners Larry Peech and Scott Reader have been unable to estimate the total loss, but says it will be well over $1 million. Reader says there were two pieces of furniture in the building that were valued at $100,000 each.
The roof of the building collapsed during the three alarm fire as 30 firefighters battled the blaze. They poured thousands of gallons of water on the building.