Laurel

Investigation continues into Laurel Auto Parts fire

Posted: Sep 29, 2012 7:23 AM by Q2 News
Updated: Sep 29, 2012 9:05 AM

It will likely take several days before investigators will be able to determine what caused a fire that destroyed the Laurel Auto Parts Store Thursday night.

All that's left of the longtime Laurel business is the building's burned-out shell. Wayne Halverson opened the business back in 1960 - so it's been part of the Laurel business scene for more than 50 years.

Investigators started looking for clues into the fire's cause late Friday morning.

Fire Marshall Gary Colley says already they've identified a large area in the store where the fire appears to have started.

Colley tells us the State Fire marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms offered help, and an insurance company is also conducting a separate investigation.

The fire did not damage other nearby buildings, but did affect other business owners.

Local businesses including Palace Lanes and Fat Jacks are planning a benefit Wednesday.