Dawson Co. tire store destroyed by fire

DAWSON COUNTY - Firefighters from both Dawson and Forsyth counties spent about three hours Thursday morning battling a fire at an independently-owned tire shop on Highway 53 at Blue Ridge Overlook.

Dawson County Fire Services Chief Lanier Swafford said a passerby called 911 just before 4:30 a.m. to report the blaze.

"When the first units arrived on the scene there was already heavy fire showing from the building," said Swafford.

Swafford said the business was a complete loss, and at this point in time, there is no known cause for the fire.

"We had three engine companies there and also received mutual aid from Forsyth County," said Swafford. "We had quite a bit of material there that was burning...and to get all of that out took quite a bit of folks and quite a bit of time."

Highway 53 was closed to traffic until 7:30 a.m., according to Swafford.

He said Thursday morning's cold temperatures caused minimal problems, since firefighters were able to keep most water away from the roadway.

No one was hurt during the course of the operation, and Swafford said investigators are working to pinpoint a cause.

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