Fire guts J & J Liquidation in six-alarm call

Traffic snarled as M-53 closed down for fire operations

 

ALMONT TWP., — A late Saturday afternoon fire quickly spread throughout J&J Liquidation, despite the efforts of six area fire departments.

The fire was reported to Lapeer County Central Dispatch after 3:30 p.m. No injuries were reported.

According to a website detailing their business, the popular store, located at 4901 S. Van Dyke in Almont Twp., specialized in selling a variety of discounted merchandise.

Their website information went on to say, “With a focus on offering affordable products, we provide customers with a selection of items ranging from electronics to household goods.”

Along with the Almont Fire Department, other responding fire agencies included Imlay City, Dryden, Attica Twp., Berlin Twp. and Bruce Twp.

Firefighters set up portable water tanks on M-53 that supplied the engines with water, as well as an aerial truck from Almont.

The highway was shutdown in both directions for the duration of the incident to allow for tanker trucks to shuttle water to the scene.

Motorists had passed by the building on S. Van Dyke and did not report seeing any flames or smoke as of 3:30 p.m.

After firemen were able to open up the west side of the building, heavy dark smoke billowed out from the business. A portion of the roof also collapsed during the fire.

Almont Fire Chief Don Smith said he believed the business, filled with a variety of inventory, is a total loss.

Chief Smith said approximately 150,000 gallons of water was poured on the inferno with the last units not leaving the scene until 10:30 p.m.

Almont Village manager Dale Kerbyson said of the incident, “we as a village were monitoring the situation as they were hauling water from Almont.”

Kerbyson went on to add, “We made sure residents saw no disruption of service or water pressure issues. We were pleased to be able to continue regular service to our residents while supplying the firefighters with all of the water they needed. There were no issues with that part of it.”

In a statement on their Facebook page, owners Jim and Julie Slack wrote: “We apologize for the delay in an update on the (fire at the) store, and we thank you all for being patient, and continuing to do so as we navigate through this.”

The Slack family continued with their message, saying, “For those who may not have heard, J&J caught fire yesterday afternoon. Thankfully it was after closing and no one was inside. The interior of the store and merchandise we’re engulfed by the fire.”

The family also praised the efforts of emergency agencies.

“All of our local fire departments did an amazing job at containing the fire to keep the rest of our neighbors and community safe. Also, thank you to all other first responders for their aid in keeping the area safe during the time of the fire.

The store will be closed until further notice. Thank you all for the support both before and after the fire. We hope to see you soon, until then please take care!”