Dollar General store bursts into flames in Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A fire set a Dollar General store ablaze Wednesday night, according to Charlotte County Fire & EMS.

No injuries have been reported; however, heavy smoke and intense heat filled the building and surrounding areas. The fire ignited at U.S. 17 and Cleveland Avenue. It started at approximately 8 p.m.

U.S. 17 is now back open in both directions after the blaze, according to Charlotte County Fire.

There was a visible smoke column when crews arrived on the scene, according to fire officials. The heavy smoke forced fire fighters to to get on the roof and cut holes in it to vent out the fire.

The fire is not fully under control but is contained to the building, according to Charlotte County Fire.

At least 13 fire trucks responded to the scene, according to fire officials.

Everyone was pulled out of the building and water was being dumped onto the building, according to Charlotte County Fire.

“At this point it’s probably going to be a total loss it’s been burning for a while so there probably isn’t going to be much left,” said Todd Dunn, with Charlotte County Fire.

Firefighters said they have no clue what started the fire.

No further details are available at this time. We will provide updates as more information is released.