A huge fire fueled by a gas leak kept Southside firefighters busy early today. Just before 3am this morning, residents living near the Publix supermarket on Highway 80 East called to say they saw fire coming from an area near their subdivision on Whitemarsh Island.
Southside firefighters arrived to find a large gas leak, fueling a huge fire burning boxes and pallets behind the grocery store. The flames were spreading up the back wall and into the attic area. Firefighters put out the blaze, then shut off the gas.
Investigators say, it appears a generator near the gas main may have started the fire after gas started leaking. Light smoke filled the store and firefighters had to get onto the roof to make sure the fire didn't spread.
Supermarket employees will now have to wait for the health inspector to let them know when the store can reopen. Fortunately there were no injuries.
