Fire ravages Duplin warehouse store

Beulaville Fire Chief Joey Carter said a fire alarm went off in Beula Liquidators, 3525 N.C. Highway 24 East, around 7:15 p.m., about 15 minutes after the owner had left.

Fire crews saw heavy smoke coming from the rear of the 7,900-square-foot building when they arrived, he said. A quarter-hour later, the roof over the rear of the building collapsed

Four firefighters were inside at the time, but only one was injured. He was treated at the scene.

Carter said that the building was destroyed and is a total loss. The owner had taken some insurance out on the business, which buys and sells products from furniture to clothing.

The cause and origin of the fire haven't been determined, but investigators do not believe it is suspicious, Carter said.

Fire crews used about 250,000 gallons of water to put out the fire. Eight fire departments responded, including the State Bureau of Investigation and Duplin County Sheriff's Office and fire marshal.