Infinity Tire Shop Heavily Damaged By Blaze
Staff Photo By Kenneth Dean
SCORCHED: A Tyler firefighter looks through the damage caused by a fire Monday morning at Infinity Tires in Tyler. The building suffered fire and smoke damage with an estimated cost of $225,000.
By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer
For more than 30 years, Infinity Tire served the Tyler area in the same location on West Gentry Parkway. But on Monday morning a fire gutted the building, leaving eight people without jobs.
Staff Writer
For more than 30 years, Infinity Tire served the Tyler area in the same location on West Gentry Parkway. But on Monday morning a fire gutted the building, leaving eight people without jobs.
Charles Norman said he started the business 36 years ago, but sold it a few years ago keeping ownership of the building.
“I got called a little before 7 this morning and got here as soon as I could,” he said.
When asked what his initial reaction was when he saw the building, he said “I just said ‘oh prunes.’”
|
As Norman talked to employees, Tyler Fire Investigators Tony Gumber and Laura Mason dug through the ashes to find the cause of the blaze.
The results of their grimy work — an extension cord plugged into a soft drink machine in the front office.
The glass from the storefront crunched underneath the employees’ feet as they huddled together watching the investigators work.
Though the building suffered extensive fire damage, firefighters quickly responded and were able to keep the fire from spreading to stacks and stacks of new and used tires.
Chief Neil Franklin said the two-alarm fire was reported about 5:40 a.m. and eight fire vehicles and 22 personnel responded.
“The building suffered heavy fire, heat & smoke damage resulting in damage estimated at approximately $225,000,” he said.
Norman, looking into what once was his office, said he didn’t know what would happen next.
“It depends on things if we take a bulldozer and knock it down and rebuild or if we just correct what is here,” he said.
FAQ
Search Forums
Log in
Register
