Published: January 17, 2007 12:54 pm      

New Albany Realtor to rebuild on site of fire

Pat Harrison admits she still has bad days since a fire destroyed her business Christmas Eve night.

However, she is determined to turn her negative into a positive for area volunteer firefighters.

Harrison said fire and water ruined all but the brick walls and a few file cabinets at her real estate business located at 4209 Charlestown Road. The fire broke out at 7:51 p.m. Dec. 24 and the structure was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived.

However, those volunteer units from Lafayette, New Chapel and Utica managed to save important files Harrison said were her lifeline.

“After this, I sat back and saw what those firefighters did. They lifted four file cabinets while that building was on fire and got them out of there. I don’t know what I would have done without those files,” Harrison said.

Harrison temporarily moved her office down the street to 3001 Charlestown Crossing Way, Suite 1. She said her business didn’t miss a beat, and she said loyal agents and community members helped make that happen.

“Everyone has just been so wonderful,” she said.

New Chapel Fire Chief Jamey Noel said two days after the blaze the fire was caused by faulty wiring between the first and second floors. He said wiring rubbed against a metal stud, which caused the fire.

Harrison said she plans to rebuild at the site of fire in four to five months.

To show her appreciation for the volunteer fire units, Harrison is planning a benefit style show, through the Homebuilders of Southern Indiana, in the spring at Caesars Indiana with all the proceeds going to New Chapel, Lafayette and Utica volunteer fire departments. She hopes to raise $15,000.

“They did an awesome job and they are in need of equipment,” Harrison said. “I owe them a lot. They gave up their Christmas Eve. They gave up a lot for us.”