Two Grenada businesses were forced to close their doors last week following fires that caused extensive damage to both – one a convenience store, the other a restaurant.
The commercial fires, which occurred within four days of each other, remained under investigation until earlier this week when causes were released. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either blaze.
The most recent structure fire occurred last Thursday afternoon when GFD units were dispatched to Magnolia Smokehouse Grill, located at 999 Lakeview Dr. Crews arrived on the scene at 2:42 — three minutes after the initial call — to find smoke billowing out from the roof of the wooden structure and fire visible from the rear of the restaurant. Command 1 was the first unit on the scene followed by Engine 2.
“Crews pulled a 1.75-inch attack line and began attacking visible fire on the exterior of the building, then made entry through a door in the rear of the building and went into the attic to fight fire that had progressed there,” GFD Assistant Chief Wade Bloodworth said. “Additional crews arrived and assisted with extinguishing fire that had spread into the walls, ceilings and kitchen.”
According to GFD reports, the scene was declared under control at 3:46 p.m.
“Crews then ventilated the structure of smoke and performed salvage and overhaul to ensure the fire was out,” Bloodworth added.
The cause of the fire was released Tuesday afternoon. According to Bloodworth, the restaurant accidentally caught fire after an unattended cigarette butt landed on a dry mop head located at the back of the building. It then ignited cardboard and flames traveled into the roof causing the fire to spread.
The Hodges family released a statement on the restaurant’s Facebook page later that night.
“As most of you already know, our restaurant suffered a significant fire this afternoon,” the statement read. “We want to thank the Grenada Fire Department and the other first responders that arrived to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, nobody was injured. Once we determine the full extent of the damages, we will be able to come up with a plan and timeframe to reopen. Until then we sadly will be closed for business. We appreciate all the concerns and well wishes expressed to us. Please continue to keep our entire Magnolia Smokehouse family in your thoughts and prayers!”
The restaurant’s hours on Facebook have been changed to “Temporarily Closed.”
All stations responded to the fire with the last units clearing the scene at 5:16 p.m. Officers with the Grenada Police Department and deputies with the Grenada Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control, while personnel with MedStat EMS provided medical stand-by.
Smoke billows out of Meets One-Stop Shop last Monday as firefighters enter. | Photo by Chuck Hathcock
The first fire occurred during the lunch hour on Monday, Oct. 10, at Meets One-Stop Shop located at 5049 S. Commerce St. The initial call was dispatched out at 12:45 p.m.
“Engine 2 was the first unit on scene at 12:47 p.m., and reported heavy smoke and fire visible from two sides of the structure,” Bloodworth said. “Firefighters deployed a 1.75-inch attack line and immediately began to put water on the visible fire.”
As additional units arrived, another 1.75-inch attack line as well as a 2.5-inch line were deployed as well as a monitor on a 2.5-inch line, according to GFD reports.
“Crews made entry into the building to gain access to the fire, which had progressed throughout the structure,” Bloodworth said. “Wind that day made the fire more difficult to bring under control.”
Off-duty GFD personnel as well as the Elliott and Tie Plant volunteer fire departments were called in to assist the effort. The fire was declared under control at 3:24 p.m. Salvage and overhaul operations were conducted to fully extinguish all fire. The Grenada Police Department assisted with traffic control. MedStat EMS provided medical stand-by. The last units cleared the scene at 5:08 p.m.
Bloodworth released the cause as an unintentional overloaded electrical outlet.
