UPDATE — Dec. 29, 2022, 4:45 a.m.: Click here for an update on the estimated losses sustained from the blaze.
UPDATE — Dec. 28, 2022, 6:45 p.m.: The fire at Chinquapin Auto Salvage Sales appears to be extinguished. Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens tells White River Now that the blaze started from a burning brush pile next to the business and spread to the salvage yard. Stephens said he believes an estimated 200 vehicles caught fire in the blaze.
Authorities that responded to the scene today included the Northside Volunteer Fire Department, the Batesville Fire Department, the Southside Volunteer Fire Department, the Cave City Volunteer Fire Department, Arkansas Forestry, the Independence County Sheriff’s Department, Arkansas State Police, and the Independence County Road Department. Sheriff Stephens is also the Northside Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief.
Scroll down for more images and videos from today’s incident.
Earlier:
County and city emergency personnel are on the scene of a significant commercial fire at Chinquapin Auto Salvage Sales, 3655 N. St. Louis, in Batesville.
Initial reports say at least 20-30 junked vehicles were on fire while reports on social media from witnesses say the number looked to be double that. A large plume of black smoke from the blaze could be seen for miles around the area.
At least one box trailer was engulfed when White River Now was at the scene. There is no official word on what started the fire or if there are any injuries.
Authorities say the Northside Volunteer Fire Department requested assistance from the Batesville Fire Department and the Southside Volunteer Fire Department. A Batesville Fire Department representative said it had a pumper and five firefighters on the scene.
Images: White River Now
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