FIRE SHUTTERS PB BUSINESS

An alert business owner’s fast action helped save neighboring businesses Monday morning when Croy’s Perfect Press in the Poplar Bluff Square caught fire.

Stephanie McCane of Something Old Something New Upscale Consignment had gone into her business to pick up an item. She misplaced her keys and while searching for them realized smoke was filling the building. She dialed 911 before alerting off-duty firefighters, who often workout at the gym at the north end of the shopping center.

Multiple crews of Poplar Bluff firefighters responded at approximately 8:300 a.m. to the 2184 Westwood Blvd. business.

Croy’s has been in business 28 years.

In a Facebook post done by Angie Croy for Bubby Allen, Croy said, they “are working with insurance companies, fire marshal and fire inspector as fast we can. We are devastated for our customers, our employees, family and friends.”

They are grateful the businesses were closed at the time and no one was injured during this tragedy, Croy said.

“We are extremely grateful for the wonderful PBFD as they were able to contain the fire to the one business,” she said. “If it weren’t for their quick action this could have been more devastating to our community.”

Croy asks everyone give them time to process what has happened, and to give the insurance and inspectors time to process it as well.

“We will be communicating what our future will look like as quickly as we know,” she said. “I thank everyone for understanding, thank you for our business and loyalty through our years of business.”

According to fire department report by Capt. Chad Bell, the fire was contained in Croy’s but other store units also have smoke damage.

The alarm call came in at 8:33 a.m., with crews working for three and a half hours at the scene. When the first crew arrived, they requested an officer to assist in make sure all the store units were clear of occupants and additional firefighters be called into work.

The fire was located about 50 feet into the business. A total of 14 firefighters and five apparatus were at the scene. The firefighters used 1,500 gallons of water.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal is investigating the incident.

Battalion Chief Stacy Harmon was the officer in charge.

Also at the scene was Austin Armes, Tanner Tibbs, Joshua Buhler, Kenneth Felts, Jonathan Miller, Steve Burkhead, Adam Yeley, Eric Mierisch, Cade Lowe, Dustin Graves, Andrew Fox and Mykel Limanen.