Fire destroys Gentry Chevrolet building in Arkansas

“The north wall was involved in active flames. It was venting out of the east and west side of this building.” say De Queen Fire Department Chief Michael Pruitt.

Dozens of firefighters, including ones from nearby departments in Horatio and Cossatot, battled the fire for around four hours before getting it under control.

“4 or 5 vehicles inside, a lot of used tires, and there was a lot of stuff that made fuel that prolonged it.” says Chief Pruitt.

No firefighters were injured but the building was almost completely destroyed.

“There was a fire wall in between the two buildings, the office and the back, and it did its job. So that’s what helped save the front of the building.” says Chief Pruitt, “It’s home owned and it’s really pretty terrible. I mean, they worked hard to get this far and this is how it’s going to end up.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Arkansas State Fire Marshal and State Police.