Traffic on Central Avenue between Hobson and Greenwood avenues was re-routed for more than two hours Wednesday as Hot Springs firefighters fought a blaze that destroyed a home and business.

Marie Johnson, who operated a palm reading business at her 1714 Central Ave., residence, said, “I went to the furniture store and paid for my furniture that was supposed to be delivered at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. When I came back, this is what I found,” she said, pointing to her home, which had smoke billowing from the windows and collapsed roof.

“The call came in at 1:47 p.m. and when ...

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