FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
John Bullard, City of Lexington Marketing Communications Manager
Phone: 1 (336) 240-1849 • Email: JDBullard@LexingtonNC.gov
May 19, 2026
Lexington Fire Crews Respond to Overnight Multi-Building Fire on North Main Street; No Injuries Reported
LEXINGTON, N.C. — At approximately 1:12 a.m. on May 19, the Lexington Fire Department received a report of a structure fire in the vicinity of North Main Street and East Center Street. Crews arrived within four minutes to find Shoto's, at 17 North Main Street, fully involved with fire extending from the first floor through the third floor.
The fire spread from Shoto's to The Candy Factory, at 15 North Main Street. Both buildings sustained roof collapses extending to the first floor and are considered total losses. Two adjacent businesses Main Street Pizza and Deli and Bagels and More On Main sustained water damage but were not breached by fire.
Upon arrival, crews found Shoto's burning from the first floor through the third floor and could not safely enter. Crews searched the first floor of The Candy Factory and conducted complete searches of Bagels and More On Main and Main Street Pizza and Deli, finding no one inside.
Lexington Fire Chief Michael Tofano requested additional resources from mutual aid partners across Davidson County, primarily to add aerial apparatus capacity beyond the two units operated by Lexington Fire. The Lexington Fire Department also recalled both off duty shifts to maintain coverage for the rest of the city throughout the response. Mutual aid was provided by Holly Grove, Linwood, Midway, Silver Valley, South Lexington, and West Lexington Fire Departments. Davidson County EMS, Davidson Communications, and Davidson Emergency Management provided additional support.
The Lexington Police Department assisted at the scene with perimeter security, road closures, traffic control, and drone-based aerial monitoring during the overnight hours. Officers will remain on scene through the duration of fire operations to support crowd control and area security.
Crews and personnel from across the City of Lexington — including Water, Electric, Gas, and Stormwater services, along with other City departments — also responded to support fire operations, address utility safety, and protect public welfare throughout the incident.
No injuries were reported to civilians or fire personnel. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Lexington Fire Marshal's Office.
Crews remain on scene to complete fire suppression and secure the area. N. Main Street between Center Street and E. 1st Street is closed and will remain closed until operations conclude.
Updates will be shared through the City of Lexington website and the City's official social media channels as additional verified information becomes available.