Arson investigators have been called in to investigate a fire that happened in the Family Dollar on Main Street in Richmond.
“A lot of material inside they’ve got a lot of merchandise which caused the heavy smoke,” said Fire Chief Wayne Long.
Officials say the fire is considered suspicious and will be reviewing footage from surveillance cameras in the store.
http://liarcatchers.com/arson_investigation.html
Store employees told LEX18’s Jessica Reyes that someone poured lighter fluid on the floor and threw paper towels on it before lighting it up.
There were reports of heavy smoke coming from the left rear corner of the building. Chief Long says their station is just down the road and were able to get on scene within minutes.
Many say the store’s central location makes it a lifeline to the community.
“That’s an old folks home over there so if they don’t drive where else are they going to go?” asked Bobby Bowen, a concerned neighbor.
Chief Long says the temporary closure of the store will have a major affect many in the community, “a large section of the town shops at this area so it’ll be an impact on them.”
Due to the water and smoke damage inside, the Family Dollar will be closed for several weeks.
No one was injured.
