Early morning fire disturbs square

A smoke alarm saved the lives of Linda and Tom Stewart in their basement apartment Tuesday morning. An electrical outlet caused the blaze that spread through the laundry room but the fire was extinguished before it could spread through other structures - The Apothecary, Southern Eatery, and Craft and Wynne Insurance, according to chief Rodney Crane. The 2:15 a.m. response by firefighters stopped the progression of the fire, which easily could have spread since it started in the bottom floor, Crane said. Smoke damage was the major concern. Electrical and plumbing repairs will be required before the restaurant reopens. Residents in upstairs apartments were evacuated on the block.