Fire destroyed a brick commercial structure in Fieldale on Saturday night and scorched the building housing the fire department next door, a fire official said.
Between 40 and 50 firefighters from six or seven companies fought to save the structure for nearly four hours, but were hampered by fallen live electrical lines and a temporary shortage of water, said Brian Shuler, chief of the Fieldale Fire Department in Henry County.
The structure, at 514 Field Ave., housed Prosource Floor Finishing and Tom's Vending, Shuler said. He said the two-story building was 90 percent destroyed.
The Fieldale Fire Department building at 500 Field Ave. had flame damage on the outside and smoke damage inside, he said.
Firefighters attacked the fire about 10:15 p.m., but were hampered by electrical lines that had dropped to the ground during the fire, Shuler said. The electricity was shut off 30 to 45 minutes later, Shuler said.
In another challenge, firefighters initially relied on a hydrant that could not produce enough water, forcing crews to drive tankers and engines several miles to access another water line, Shuler said.
Crews controlled the blaze about 2 a.m. and left the scene about 11 a.m. Sunday, Shuler said.
Copyright 2012 - The Roanoke Times, Va.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
