Fire in downtown Kyle severely damages businesses

The fire apparently started at the Papa Jack's located at 108 W. Center Street and spread to the next business. FOX 7 Austin's Kelly Saberi has the latest details.

KYLE, Texas - The Austin Fire Department was assisting the Kyle Fire Department in battling a fire in downtown Kyle Thursday morning. The fire apparently started at the Papa Jack's located at 108 W. Center Street and spread to the next business, Jack's Axes.

Officials say they received a call about the fire around 2 a.m.

Crews began fighting the fire from the outside and were able to enter the buildings around 8 a.m. to assess the damage and put out any hotspots. The roof has reportedly collapsed in parts of the building.

Firefighters from San Marcos, Buda, and Hays also assisted.

Bailey Bakouris, public information officer for Hays County ESD 5, also known as the Kyle Fire Department said both businesses were a total loss.

"I can get another bartending job, but it’s just not the same as Papa Jack’s. You know that was our little hole in the wall, it was fun, it was creative." said Papa Jack’s employee Andreeze Gutierrez.

"I was just devastated I was so upset, I was just sad." said Gutierrez.

Bakouris told FOX 7 Austin Jack’s Axes was under construction.

"There are different materials for construction within the building which adds fuel to the fire." she explained.

The businesses, which shared a roof, were up to fire code, Bakouris said.

"But because of their occupancy type they do not have sprinkler systems or smoke alarms in the buildings which would have helped." she explained.

Kyle City Hall, which borders the businesses, will remain closed until Monday.