80-90 firefighters at Hamilton fire

Towering columns of fire and smoke could be seen for miles as Hamilton’s Texan theatre burned late Friday night. At one point, every fire department in Hamilton County was on hand to help battle the massive blaze.

Witnesses told us the fire broke out just after 9:45 p.m. on Friday, the theatre’s first day back in operation after its hiatus for the football season. Fire officials said Saturday there was no one inside the theater at the time of the fire.

News Channel 25 was the only crew on the scene as the movie theatre collapsed in on itself. The two businesses on either side of the theatre suffered structural damage and moderate fire damage. Luckily, nearby city hall only suffered minor smoke and water damage.

The fire was under control in about seven hours due to the work of 80 to 90 fire fighters.

Firefighters from 18 Central Texas communities, including Erath, Comanche and Coryell counties were on hand to battle the blaze and provide administrative support.

Authorities say the State Fire Marshal will inspect the scene on Monday.

The building, which first opened in 1940, and was previously destroyed by fire after an explosion in 1949, is considered a total loss.
By Patrick Tolbert and John Cuoco at KXXV News, Waco
Photos and video from KXXV in Waco