Fire destroys residence; former store building saved

By Eddie West Staff Writer

Fire destroyed a house in the Elmwood community, last week.

However, firemen were able to save a historical community grocery building located a couple of feet away from the blaze.

The fire was reported at 7:19 p.m., Wednesday (April 16), at a residence located only a couple of feet to the rear of the former McKinney community grocery building located on Highway 70.

The house was engulfed with flames when fire engines arrived on the scene, County Fire Chief Sonny Carter said.

Forks River, Central District and Rock City/Rome fire departments were dispatched to the house fire.

Heat from the house fire melted the vinyl siding to the rear, east side of the building. Carter said the rear of the historical structure also sustained some damage. The former grocery store has been converted to living quarters.

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