BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. -- Arson is suspected in a fire that destroyed CJ's Meat Market early Monday and resulted in the temporary closure of neighboring businesses, Bay St. Louis Fire Chief Pam San Fillippo said.
A blaze reported about 1:45 a.m. left minimal structural damages to the metal building at 828 U.S. 90, but the fire destroyed its contents. Smoke damaged adjoining businesses at the Palms Shopping Center and some had water damage.
"We do know the fire was not accidental," San Fillippo said later Monday. "It was intentionally set.
"We confined the fire to the meat market, but some of the other units had some smoke damage and the unit next door had a little bit of water seep through. Their damages were minor."
The meat market, licensed in the name of CJ's Food and Market, had been named the city's business of the year in 2007, when the specialty shop was on Blaize Avenue in the historic Depot District. The business is a popular butcher shop, deli and grocery store.
For more than five years after Hurricane Katrina, CJ's was the only place in Bay St. Louis that sold groceries.
San Fillippo said the fire melted the store's shelves and ruined its stock.
The Hancock County fire marshal joined the investigation later Monday and by mid-afternoon an investigator with the State Fire Marshal's Office had arrived.
San Fillippo said neighboring businesses will likely be closed a couple of days for clean-up and visits by insurance adjustors.
Anita's Bar is the business that sustained some water damage.
CJ's registered agent and owner, Mary McLaurin, could not be reached for comment.
Copyright 2012 - The Sun Herald
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
