December 17, 2024
By: Miurlin Escalante and Katherine Trowbridge
The JC’s Mesa Grocery store is a total loss after a fire broke out at closing time on Dec. 16.
Firefighters from FCFD1 initially entered the internal structure fire at 9:14pm subduing a fire in the east wall of the building which worked its way up the wall into the roof.
Mutual aid support came from FCFD4 - Basin City and the City of Connell Fire Department. Also the FCPHD was on standby and Franklin County Sheriff’s provided scene support.
The fire led to heavy damage to the building and its contents.
One firefighter shared, “Everything that didn’t burn melted.”
Manton Bailie shared that the interior structure of the building is charred and the windows and doors are gone. He said, “It is a terrible loss for our community.”
Jay, the owner, and his family stood by in shock.
An investigation will take place with the fire marshal and insurance will assess the building according to Eric Mauseth, FCFD1 Chief.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.