02/06/2011 – “A” Shift – Two Alarm Structure Fire

A former Smoaks business was destroyed by a suspicious mid-afternoon fire Sunday, 06-February at 13:54. Fire units were dispatched to 1281 Johnsville Road north of the Town of Smoaks for a report of smoke coming from the building. Engine 7 reported on arrival that heavy smoke was visible from all sides of the building with flames coming from the rear of the single story wood frame structure. Firefighters deployed three 1-3/4 handlines, one 2-1/2 handline and used a deck gun to knock down the fire. A second alarm was transmitted for additional Tenders and manpower. The fire quickly spread throughout the building as the roof began to collapse. The building appeared to have been used as a store or some type of club at some point and had several additions. The building was also equipped with security bars on all exterior openings which hampered firefighter’s access to the interior of the building. Firefighters worked for about 40 minutes to bring the fire under control. Units were on the scene for 3-1/2 hours. The fire appears to have been initially set. SLED’s arson unit was notified and the fire is under investigation.