Longview Furniture Warehouse Deemed Total Loss in Fire

LONGVIEW — The Blake Furniture warehouse at 234 Skinner Lane, off Highway 259, is deemed a total loss after it caught fire Thursday, drawing multiple departments to the scene. An employee tells KETK a cloud of smoke could be seen from a few miles away. Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary says seven to 10 employees were inside when the blaze began at around 11 a.m., but they were able to escape unharmed. Employees say a power surge prior to the fire may have sparked the flames, but the fire marshal has not confirmed a cause. There had been reports of power surges in the area before Thursday. The fire began in the middle of the warehouse, per employees, and was out of control within 10 minutes. No injuries have been reported.

The warehouse stores furniture, decor, and some office supplies. Zackary said the building and its inventory will be considered a loss. The Blake Furniture store manager said he estimated the losses are about $800,000 in inventory, $125,000 in trucks and $2 to $3 million on the cost of the facility. The building was covered by insurance.