Once again, a suspicious fire led to a long night for the Flint Fire Department. Shortly after 2 Friday morning, flames were reported in a large storage building next to Mr. B's Market.
A fire battalion chief said most of the structure was burning when firefighters arrived a few minutes later.
Crystal Fairchild works at Mr. B's Market. "When I first got here, there were flames pretty high in the sky, but the sides of the building were still standing."
They didn't stand for long. The warehouse collapsed in on itself just minutes later.
"There was no electricity in the building. There hadn't been for three years," Fairchild said.
The James Lumber Company sold the building in 2007. In September 2008, fire burned a large hole in the roof. It had been used as storage space for grocery carts and refrigeration equipment.
"To see it burned down to the ground, I'm kind of at a loss for words," said Tom Simons who works nearby.
"It's been there as long as I can remember. I was born and raised in Flint and I'm 71 years old," resident Alberta Douglas said.
Even though the fire was roaring just 90 feet away, Mr. B's Market suffered very little damage. The heat was intense enough to crack these windows, though.
It also damaged a body shop across Fenton Road. "You can see there's melting damage on our vinyl siding," Simons said.
Mr. B's Market, which has been open since last June, is still serving customers today.
"I just wanted to express, let all my customers know, we're open for business," Fairchild said.
"I stop there every week. I'm glad to see it's still there," said Simons.
City of Flint earthmoving equipment pushed through the rubble this morning, looking for hot spots.
The Flint Fire Department was assisted by crews from Grand Blanc. "They did an awesome job," said Fairchild.
"I don't know what's going on with these fires. I don't know who's starting them, but I wish they'd stop because this is hitting too close to home," Simons said.
No injuries were reported.
