Huge Blaze Destroys Ga. Business, Warehouse

Dec. 09--Warner Robins firefighters battled a huge blaze overnight at Apple Enclosures and an adjacent warehouse on Watson Boulevard near Third Street, with flames reaching as high as 50 feet.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire and keep it from spreading to the nearby Houston County Board of Education's Bus Barn where school buses are housed.

Two buses were moved away from the fire and a perimeter fence was knocked down.

The fire engulfed both Apple Enclosures which specializes in outdoor living, such as pool enclosures and sun rooms, according to its website and the adjacent warehouse used by Livingston Properties.

The fire destroyed both buildings, said Warner Robins fire Capt. James Franklin, who remained on scene at 12:30 a.m. Friday as firefighters continued battling the blaze.

The fire was reported to 911 at 9:48 p.m. Thursday.

About 20 firefighting personnel were on scene with five fire trucks, including two ladder trucks from which gallons and gallons of water were poured on top of the fire for a few hours.

A Houston Healthcare Emergency Medical Service ambulance was on standby, and Warner Robins police diverted traffic from the scene.

No one was injured, Franklin said.

The owner of Apple Enclosures watched the fire take his business.

He declined comment.

Doug Gore, owner of Burke's Trading Place, which is located nearby in the same block of buildings, watched the fire with store manager Bianca Narrramore.

Gore recalled how a Board of Education building once stood between the warehouse and his business.

"I'm glad it's gone or the whole block would have been gone," Gore said.

Gore said firefighters did a good job containing the fire and protecting the bus barn and nearby businesses.

"I commend them for it," Gore said.

Howard Wilson, assistant manager for Giant Discount Foods on N. Davis Drive, and store bagger Tallis Williams also watched the fire from the NAPA Auto Parts parking lot across the street.

Wilson was giving Williams a ride home from work when both said they saw the smoke as they neared Booker Street.

Brian Conley, 22, an aircraft mechanic at Robins Air Force Base, said he'd just gotten off work and was headed out the base gate and about to turn south onto Ga. 247.

But he saw the smoke and drove instead up Watson Boulevard to investigate.

He called 911.

Conley said police and firefighters were on scene in about seven to 10 minutes.

"This is the first time I've ever seen a fire," Conley said. "I just wanted to see what happened."

Many stopped to watch the fire and take photos from their cell phones, Conley said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, Franklin said.

To contact writer Becky Purser, call 256-9559.