JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – A fire that destroyed a longtime Jacksonville furniture store has left the building in shambles, with officials declaring it a total loss as cleanup began Thursday.
The fire at Furniture Plus on North Marine Boulevard started just after 1 p.m. Wednesday and raged for hours before being brought under control. Employees were inside Thursday trying to recover what they could from the devastated building.
An investigation is underway into what caused the fire. Fire Chief Tee Tallman said investigators have a lead based on witness statements and what crews saw when they arrived.
“We have a pretty good idea based on witness statements and what we saw when we arrived,” Tallman said.
Warehouse Manager Steven McClure said he was inside when he heard something cracking.
“I was inside and I heard something cracking like trees and one of my friends was like it’s on fire he smelled some smoke so we ran outside and the side of the building was in flames,” McClure said.
One employee said she was sitting in an office when she looked up and saw a surveillance camera showing smoke in the alley between buildings.
All employees made it out safely.
Five firefighters were injured fighting the flames. Four have been treated and released. One remains hospitalized but is improving.
“Actually, two of those that were injured that were treated on scene and released. Three were transported, two of those have been released and I just checked on our last firefighter they seem to be doing a lot better they seem to be improving,” Tallman said.
Tallman said fighting the fire was a total team effort, with over 10 fire departments assisting Jacksonville Fire Department. Fire crews have been at the scene off and on throughout Thursday putting out smoldering spots.
Store owner Greg Popkin said more than 30 people worked at the store. The initial plan is to move employees to the High Point location on Lejeune Boulevard, which the Popkin family also owns.
McClure said he has confidence in Popkin about helping employees find a home.
“No, I’m not really concerned about another job because I know my bossman, he’s a real good person and he’ll have something for us to do,” McClure said.
Employees said they are devastated by the loss of the building. The store has been owned by the Popkin family since 1978.
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