A downtown High Street fire Sunday afternoon caused damage to Hair Plaza and smoke damage to nearby businesses, but caused no injuries.
The fire originated in the back of Hair Plaza, which sells wigs, hair extensions and other beauty accessories.
"It appears the fire might have been burning for quite some time at the countertop area," said Fire Department spokesman Jason Turner, adding the department still was working to determine the exact cause of the fire.
The countertop is a work area, he said, and heat damage to the ceilings indicate the fire may have smoldered for awhile before igniting.
Firefighters suppressed the fire, then began ventilating area apartments and businesses, including Scene One Theatre and Carrie's Hallmark.
"We're trying to pressurize those buildings to try to get the smoke out for those occupants," Turner said. "There's a lot of merchandise in there that the stores have, so there's going to be some significant damage there."
Cast members rehearsing for Scene One's upcoming production of "Flowers for Algernon" called in the fire.
"We just kind of looked up all of a sudden and saw smoke coming from the vents up above us," cast member Ben Yarnell said. "We didn't waste much time" getting out.
He said Jefferson City police assisted apartment tenants in removing their cats, and that one tenant said the light bulbs in her apartment were exploding.
Several concerned downtown business owners showed up at the scene, including Mayor-elect Carrie Tergin, who owns Carrie's Hallmark. She said her business definitely sustained smoke damage.
"Thank God everyone's OK," she said.