Two fires on the same street in Andrews that occurred overnight Halloween are being investigated but it is unknown if the blazes were deliberately set.
One of the fires was at the Andrews Flea Market on Morgan Ave. which was reported at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday. The second was at a former convenience store, near the Highway 41 intersection.
The Andrews Flea Market received major damage as a result of the blaze.
Andrews Fire Chief Bobby Barrineau said the flea market suffered extensive interior damage.
“Basically everything they have in there was ruined,” he said.
As that fire was being fought, the call went out for the former convenience store blaze.
It was engulfed in flames when crews arrived.
Barrineau said the store had been closed for many years and it had no electricity. He said the building was used mainly for storage.
For safety, after the fire was extinguished a backhoe was used to level the building, Barrineau.
Because Andrews firefighters were busy at the flea market, Georgetown and Williamsburg County Fire Departments assisted at the convenience store.
Georgetown City Fire provided a ladder truck at the flea market fire.
When asked if arson is suspected, especially since the fires began at about the same time, Barrineau said that is unknown.
“It may all just be coincidental. We will investigate,” he said.
By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com