DAYTON — Flames destroyed most of a Dayton supermarket, one that people called a “community gem.” The damage was so significant, that it had to be demolished.
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Dayton firefighters responded to Cornell Meat King Supermarket in the 3500 block of Cornell Drive on reports of a structure fire around 8 a.m. on Thursday.
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“The whole place is smoking and it’s smoking bad,” a 911 caller told dispatchers.
When asked if she saw flames, the 911 caller told the dispatcher that “there’s fire roaring out the front.”
The owner of the store watched as fire crews carried everything out black from the fire and smoke. While he wasn’t in the right head space to speak, a friend spoke to News Center 7 on his behalf.
“He’s not thinking right now. He don’t know what to do,” Amir Mustafa said. “That’s the only source of income for him.”
The fire caused a large portion of the roof to collapse. The unsafe conditions resulted in an emergency demolition of the store, according to Dayton Fire Assistant Chief Brad French.
An investigation showed that a cooking appliance appeared to be the cause of the fire and that it was an accident.
The store has been a staple in the community at this location for more than 20 years.
“He’s so attached to the neighborhood and the people around here,” Mustafa said. “All people know him and know his employees.”
As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, people who live nearby stood outside the caution tape and watched the cleanup on Thursday.
“This store’s been a legacy to us,” Patrick Sampson said.
They said the store has had a positive impact on the area.
“They real good people, man. They help the community. They help us when we ain’t got nothing,” Andre Ball said. “So I pray that they come back bigger and better.”
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