Published: May 13, 2009 09:36 am      

Fire destroys Minco store

Electrical looked at as cause

A fire that began shortly after midnight on Saturday has destroyed William’s Discount Foods, Minco’s only grocery store.

“The fire started in the northeast corner of the store,” said owner Jeff Williams. “The fire marshall said there was a 75 percent chance the fire was electrical, but we won’t know for sure until the report is finished.”

According to Williams, firefighters tore down both the front and rear doors to gain entry to the building.

“But then things started exploding, so they had to pull out,” said Williams. “Aerosol cans, canned goods and light bulbs all explode when exposed to high heat.”

Firefighters then had to tear down the side walls of the building to gain access so they could fight the blaze.

The store was a total loss, but damage estimates have not yet been completed.

“We have every intention to rebuild, but it all depends on the insurance,” said Williams.

While the store may eventually be bulldozed, Williams is hoping to salvage the steel frame of the store to keep down building costs.

“The best case scenario is nine to 10 months out of business, worst case a year,” said Williams.

Williams and his sister own 14 stores and operate eight of them, including stores in Tuttle, Drumright, Stroud, Elgin, Anadarko, Choctaw and Bristow.