Bargain Barn fire damage mounts

JASPER - The damage estimate from Monday's fire at the huge Bargain Barn in Jasper now stands at $11-million.

"We still have the fire under investigation. We're finding this to be an extremely difficult fire to investigate," State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said.

He said the fire burned hot and long. It appears to have destroyed needed evidence.

"Because of the tin nature of the building and the roof, it really concentrated the fire and made it like a giant oven," Oxendine said.

Oxendine said arson has not been ruled out.

The building and its contents were insured, but it's not clear if it was enough to replace the business. The owner has said he wants to start again.