The fire that destroyed three Alexandria businesses on Saint Asaph Street Sunday night remains under investigation, but Alexandria’s fire department is treating the cause as accidental.
The department said the fire originated on the first floor.
The fire heavily damaged three women-owned businesses: Friends to Lovers Bookstore, Madame Coco’s Emporium and Everything Chocolate, and Little Birdie’s Home and Gifts. Madame Coco’s and Little Birdie’s are both on the first floor. Friends to Lovers on the second floor had just celebrated its grand opening at 103 S. Saint Asaph St.
“I was able to tour the store and assess the damage more closely. Sadly, it looks like none of our books or merchandise will be safe to sell,” said Friends to Lovers Bookstore owner Jamie Fortin on her GoFund Me page, where she is hoping to raise $45,000 to keep her staff of five booksellers and a social media manager employed.
“Funds raised during this process will be integral to ensuring F2L can maintain the people and culture we know and love while also recovering from significant losses related to the fire,” she said.
The bookstore sustained extensive smoke damage. The GoFundMe has raised more than $35,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
Shanlee Johnson, owner of Little Birdie’s Home and Gifts, also started a GoFundMe campaign, with the hope of raising $50,000. More than $5,400 has been raised as of Thursday afternoon.
“Our merchandise — much of it designed with love and care in-house — has been destroyed, and our building will not be usable for the foreseeable future as it has been deemed, condemned,” Johnson, who opened the shop in 2012, wrote on her page.
“Though the damage is immense, our spirits remain rooted in hope and resilience. This is more than just a setback — it’s a reminder of the strength and unity of our community. Together, we will rebuild,” wrote Meshelle Armstrong, owner of Madame Coco’s on Instagram.
Feature image courtesy GoFundMe/Little Birdie’s
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