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The Natural Bridge Country Store remained closed late last week after a fire at the store last Wednesday 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. He said 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, which is located on Wert Faulkner Highway at its intersection with Arnolds Valley Road. However, the store is not considered a total loss and is expected to reopen in the future, he said. Attempts to contact the store by The News-Gazette has so far not been successful.
Ramsey said local fire crews responded to the fire at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Dec. 18. 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. Responding departments included Glasgow Fire, Glasgow Rescue, Buena Vista Fire, Natural Bridge Fire, Rockbridge County Fire-Rescue, and Buchanan Fire Department.
No injuries were reported.
