Fire hits shopping plaza on Main Street in Grafton

GRAFTON — A small shopping plaza at 43 Main St. was heavily damaged by fire Monday evening.

Crews from Grafton and surrounding communities were dispatched about 9 p.m.

The plaza is home to Valley Plaza Discount Liquor, among other businesses.

At one point, flames broke through the roof. Because of concerns about the burning building's stability, firefighters were ordered out of the building, according to the fire department. The fire was fought from the exterior.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Tuesday morning, the building was demolished by heavy equipment. The doors to a neighboring business, Hear Joy Audiology, were boarded up with damage to the roof and gutters.

Remnants of the liquor store included scorched boxes of liquor and beer.

James Collette, co-owner of the liquor store, said Tuesday morning that staff saw smoke when they were closing the store Monday night.

"I have no idea of how the fire started," he said.

Collette said the store was demolished because there were hot spots in the structure the fire department could not get to.

"We'll rebuild, no question about it. We'll just keep moving forward," Collette said.

The District 7 and State Fire Marshal's office were called to investigate, according to the Grafton Fire Department.

Grafton Fire Chief Eric Mathieu did not immediately return a phone call Tuesday morning seeking further information.

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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Shopping plaza in Grafton, home to Valley Plaza Discount Liquor, hit by fire