Part of Leven High Street could remain closed for several days in the wake of Tuesday’s major fire.
Poundstretcher was devastated by the early-morning blaze.
And Stuart’s the Butcher and a solicitor’s office next door were also severely damaged.
Levenmouth councillor Colin Davidson fears the entire building may have to come down due to its precarious state.
A structural engineer’s report is still awaited.
But Mr Davidson has called for rapid action amid fears any delay could deal a “fatal hammer blow” to remaining town centre businesses.
While many of the High Street shops should be able to reopen on Wednesday, the street will remain closed to blue badge holders and pedestrian access will be limited.
Meanwhile, the Together Levenmouth hub, on the other side of Poundstretcher, has suffered smoke and water damage.
Workers have so far been unable to assess the full extent and whether it will impact on plans for Christmas events and the setting up of a community warm bank.
Mr Davidson said: “We need to get the High Street fully reopened as soon as possible while also keeping people safe.
“The High Street is the beating heart of Levenmouth and it’s coming up to the busy Christmas period.
“It’s vital trade can return to normal.”
Leven fire means roads will remain closed
A total of 16 fire crews battled the fire, which broke out at 2am on Tuesday.
It was declared a major incident and a cordon was thrown up on the High Street between Cancer Research and the Shorehead.
The exclusion zone is likely to be reduced on Wednesday.
However, a number of roads in the town will remain shut, including Bank Street, Branch Street, Seagate, South Street, Viewforth Place, Forth Street and School Wynd.
Mr Davidson said many traders were already struggling due to months of roadworks on the nearby Bawbee Bridge.
“We don’t want to end up with another Lundin Links Hotel situation where the road was shut for weeks before the building was dealt with,” he said.
“It’s essential it’s reopened quickly or this could be a fatal hammer blow for some of those businesses.”
Community hub waiting to assess damage
The Together Levenmouth hub is among the businesses within the exclusion zone.
It took over the former WH Smith and Happit buildings in April following a £12,000 refit.
And it provides escape rooms, crazy golf, a cafe and gift shop, as well as various community events.
Staff were in the process of organising a free Santa’s grotto for children and had asked the community to hand in gifts.
Brian Robertson-Fern of Brag Enterprises, which runs the hub, said the immediate future is still unclear.
“We have a bit of water damage from the hoses, damage from the firemen breaking in to the building and smoke damage in the basement,” said Brian.
“We’ve been told next door is at risk because it’s so unstable now.
“It’s possible our building might be affected by that.”
The hub will remain within the exclusion zone until a structural engineer’s report is complete.
Brian added: “We may not get in for goodness knows how long.”
Christmas plans unclear
Brag hopes to be able to assess the damage early next week but is worried about the longer term.
“We could end up next to a blackened shell or just a hole,” said Brian.
“My fear is that it could be another Lundin Links with a big vacant site.
“Meanwhile, we have a lot of plans running up to Christmas.
“I would hate to think we’d have to put these things on hold.
“It’s all about bringing potential visitors to the High Street.
“And we’re also down to be one of the warm spaces so I don’t know what will happen with that.
“However, the crucial thing is nobody was hurt in this.
“It’s bricks and mortar and that can be replaced.”
Conversation