A Newport tire store was destroyed yesterday in a mid-afternoon blaze that sent several firefighters to the hospital due to the August heat.
Traffic on Malcolm Avenue was halted after fire crews from the Newport Fire Department, the Diaz Fire Department, the Erwin Volunteer Fire Department, and the Tuckerman Fire Department battled the flames at Farmers Tire Mart as the heat index reached over 100 degrees. Authorities say the fire started around 12:30 p.m.
Diaz authorities and witnesses said the firefighters affected by the intense temperatures were taken to Newport’s Unity Health for heat exhaustion. Crews from White River EMS were also on the scene to help with heat-related issues for the first responders, which also included the Newport Police Department and the Arkansas State Police.
No serious injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. All lanes of Malcolm Avenue traffic were reported back open after 6 p.m.
Featured image: Chris Vines/Above image: Jake Millikin
