A Sheetz convenience store that was a fixture in Altoona for 25 years was destroyed by fire, but even as officials look for the cause, store officials are already vowing to rebuild.
The fire broke out at about 6 p.m. Thursday. A customer walking to the store first alerted employees that there was a problem.
Workers first searched for a fire in a dumpster, but quickly realized the blaze was actually inside the store. When they heard the crackling of wood burning above their heads, they turned off the gas pumps and fled the building.
Sheetz officials said that even though the fire comes as a shock, they do have plans to build a "bigger and better" store at the same location.
Lou Sheetz, executive vice president, said, once the property is ready, a new store could be constructed within three months from that time.
Sheetz said he hopes to have construction completed on a new store by the end of 2006.
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