Circle N Appliance store deemed total loss after Amarillo crews battle 3-alarm fire
Amarillo firefighters fought a 3-alarm fire at an appliance store in a strip mall for several hours Saturday evening. The store and its inventory appears to be a total loss at this time.
The Amarillo Fire Department (AFD) said in a Sunday afternoon news release that the structure fire was contained at the Civic Circle Strip Mall after an extensive fight. A total of 14 units and 64 firefighters responded over the duration of the fire.
AFD said at about 6:36 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, it received a call of a reported structure fire at 2803 Civic Circle. The caller advised that the entire strip mall was on fire. AFD said the call about the fire originally came in at 575 Pizza.
A second alarm response plan was immediately dispatched at 6:37 p.m. The first unit arrived on the scene at 6:40 p.m., and the commanding officer reported smoke coming from the roof line of the full length of the commercial building.
After further investigation, the seat of the fire was located inside Circle N Appliance, located at Wolfin Avenue and Civic Circle, with heavy smoke showing inside the business, according to AFD.
A third alarm response was dispatched at 6:48 p.m. "Despite the intensity of the blaze, the majority of the fire was contained to the original business of origin," the release states. "However, businesses to the south and north received moderate smoke and miscellaneous damage from firefighting efforts. At this time the fire is still under investigation."
AFD said that during the crews' fighting of the fire, one firefighter was overcome by exhaustion. "The firefighter was evaluated on the scene and received medical attention. After spending time rehabbing, it was determined that transport was not necessary, and the firefighter was able to return to work," the release said.
Initial crews on the scene were rotated out with fresh personnel, including the cadet academy. AFD said the academy cadets were activated for extra labor force to assist with overhaul and cleanup efforts.
AFD said the fire was brought under control by about 9:47 p.m. Saturday.
"Fortunately, no other injuries were reported at the time of this release," AFD said in the update. "The department reminds everyone to have working smoke detectors in their homes and businesses and to have a fire safety plan in place."
According to the business's website, Circle N Appliance has more than 60 years of experience as a local appliance dealer, selling refrigerators, freezers, ovens, washers, dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, cooktops, and more.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and no further details were available.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo crews fight 3-alarm fire that destroys Circle N Appliance
