Cause of Shenandoah Dollar General fire remains under investigation
Jun. 12—SHENANDOAH — Authorities continue to investigate the cause of a fire that destroyed the Dollar General store at Gold Star Plaza on April 3.
Dollar General, meanwhile, has not responded to questions about whether it plans to rebuild.
Shenandoah Borough Manager Anthony Sajone said Monday that the company would have to obtain permits and submit plans to the borough for approval, but that no such action has been taken.
"I would guess they are waiting for the state police investigation into the cause to end before doing anything," he said, adding that insurance companies often require an investigation be completed.
State police fire marshals troopers Joseph Hall and John Szczyglak are investigating the fire with Shenandoah Fire Chief Richard Examitas.
Hall said Monday the investigation is ongoing and that the exact cause and origin have not been officially determined.
The scene remains much as it was on April 3, with part of the storefront burned away and contents visible inside. A chain-link fence has been erected around the building.
Firefighters were called just after 4 p.m. the day of the fire for a report of cardboard or paper burning to the rear of the building, which is off Route 924 in the plaza that contains Redner's and other stores.
Firefighters were greeted by flames that had spread into the one-story building and were consuming the merchandise inside.
The fire quickly went to three alarms, forcing firefighters off the roof and out of the building.
Crews worked for about three hours before bringing the fire under control. No injuries were reported.
Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013
