Fire Claims Three Local Businesses, Following Winter Storm
By Mark Darnell
This past weekend Macon County was hit hard by Winter Storm Fern from Saturday January 24th extending into the next week.
Precipitation started falling Saturday morning and continued throughout the evening, beginning with snow then sleet then freezing rain. Some estimates say that for every half inch of ice on a limb or power line, and estimated 500 lbs of weight is exerted.
All that extra weight wreaked havoc on the area. Trees could be heard popping as ice broke limbs and trunks, totally blocking roads and drives in the area. Reports stated that transformers across Macon County were affected with some blowing.
On Saturday members of the Lafayette Fire Department were dispatched to Elmore’s Flooring located at 645 Hwy 52 By-Pass West for a structure fire. After gaining control at approximately 3pm the department had to return as the structure re-ignited. As of press time, with all the problems that the Fire Department is experiencing, more details were not available. The fire also hit MC Security and the TN Women’s Health Center.
Elmore’s Flooring issued the following statement on social media:
“Today our flooring store suffered a devastating fire. While we are beyond grateful that no one was hurt, the building and our business are a total loss. We are absolutely heartbroken. Sadly, two other local businesses were affected by this tragedy – MC Security and TN Women’s Health Center – are also at a loss. Keep them in your prayers as well
We want to sincerely thank first responders & everyone who has reached out with calls, messages, prayers, and support. Please know that if we haven’t been able to respond, it’s only because we’re trying to process this and figure out our next steps.
Your kindness, encouragement, and prayers truly mean more to us than we can put into words. As we begin the difficult journey of rebuilding and putting our business back together, we ask for continued prayers and support. We will keep everyone updated as we move forward.”
Macon Security issued the following:
“We are at a loss of words and still trying to process everything right now, but our place of business is now a complete loss from a fire. Thank you all so much to our family, customers, and friends who have either called or texted us. But, thank you most of all for the prayers! A huge shout out to the Lafayette and Westmorland Fire Department for working so hard to get the fire out and helping us. We are trying to still work everything out. For now, you can call 615-388-8023 for anything you may need. We will let you know when 615-666-SAFE is back up and running. After tomorrow, business hours will be operating as normal. While we work through this hurdle, we are still here to service all current and future customers!”
The TN Women’s Health Center also issued the following:
“It breaks my heart to share that our office has suffered a devastating loss due to a fire.
This is incredibly hard, and I am trying to process everything through the tears, but I know my GOD is GOOD and we will overcome this! Although starting over is not easy, we are committed to rebuilding and returning as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support during this time.
As we try to figure out the quickest way to physically see patients , we will do all follow ups and medication refills via tele-health. Please be patient with us as we have approximately 350 patients scheduled in the next month. We are so thankful for our patients and will get back up and running asap!”
Per their website, Tri-County Electric services approximately 56,460 customers in our area. As of late Saturday evening just over 36,000 or just over 63% of all those serviced were without power. It goes without saying that it could be days before everything could be made right and the public is urged to please be patient and understanding with the hard work of the linemen out working in the sub-zero conditions.
Ahead of the storm Governor Bill Lee issued a State of Emergency throughout Tennessee for the weather conditions that impacted the state. Also on Saturday President Donald Trump granted an emergency declaration to provide potential federal assistance and emergency protective measures for state and local governments.
Tennessee residents are encouraged to follow guidance from local officials for the latest updates, preparedness info, and safety guidance related to the winter weather. For more information you can contact your local emergency management agency.
