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Local fire crews responded to a fire at the Natural Bridge Country Store in Natural Bridge Station at 9:15 a.m. this morning. Rockbridge County Fire Chief Nathan Ramsey told The News-Gazette that a preliminary assessment of the scene indicated that the fire began behind the store, spread up the back wall and into the ceiling. In a statement issued to the press later, Ramsey said that upon arrival, Glasgow Fire Chief J. Hill observed heavy smoke coming from the attic, with visible flames at the rear of the store. The fire was brought under control approximately in 40 minutes. The fire was caused by discarded smoldering towels behind the store, which ignited and spread to the building. Significant damage occurred to the wall, electrical components, and ceiling at the back of the store. However, the store is not considered a total loss and is expected to reopen in the future.
The following departments responded: Glasgow Fire, Glasgow Rescue, Buena Vista Fire, Natural Bridge Fire, Rockbridge County Fire-Rescue, and Buchanan Fire Department. No injuries were reported.
*This story has been edited to include details from a press release from Chief Ramsey
