Extreme cold complicates Sunday morning fire south of Bellefonte

Extreme cold temperatures and icy conditions complicated the response to an early Sunday morning commercial structure fire in Valley Springs, prompting the use of road salt to keep emergency operations moving safely.

The Valley Springs Fire Department was paged out at approximately 3:15 a.m. as auto aid to the Western Grove Fire Department. Crews arrived to find a two-story commercial building about 50 percent involved. The fire occurred at the Old Sanders Farm, a business that has been closed for an extended period, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Department.

The property is located on Highway 65 South in Valley Springs, approximately seven miles south of the junction of Highways 62/412 and Highway 65 at Bellefonte.

With temperatures near 13 degrees the Arkansas Department of Transportation was requested to apply salt along the water supply route on Highway 65 to prevent icing and maintain access for tanker operations.

Additional tanker support was provided by the Harmon Fire Department. The fire was brought under control, but limited access inside the structure extended overhaul operations.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control along HWY 65 during the response. All units cleared the scene at approximately 7:39 a.m. No injuries were reported.

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