A general store went up in flames in the Highway 58 area on Friday morning.
The owner made a 911 call at 7:10 a.m. reporting heavy smoke and fire at 10500 Highway 58.
Hamilton County EMS was the first unit on the scene confirming a fully involved commercial fire. Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) arrived shortly thereafter requesting additional apparatus units to respond to the scene.
Due to the “live” power lines that drape Highway 58, it was difficult for the additional fire apparatus to make entry to the scene. Since the fire was fully involved, the firefighters went to a defensive attack and stopped the fire from spreading to other structures.
Chief Charles Harris, Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department, said the owner stated that the building was struck by lightning.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Investigation, will investigate the fire and determine the cause.
The building was built in 1941 and was the old Bill Gross General Merchandise Store. The business was inoperable and no one was in the building when the fire started.
No injuries were reported.
The building was a total loss and damages are estimated at $50,000.
Highway 58 VFD was assisted by Hamilton County EMS and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.