Dewayne’s Tire Service catches fire prompting large emergency response

Traffic on MacArthur Avenue was blocked from Scenic Rivers Blvd. to Franklin St., rerouting traffic around the business.

By 8:26 p.m., the smoke emanating from the roof increased as two volunteer firefighters with the Dent County Fire Protection District ascended a ladder with tools, widening a hole in the side of the gable. Smoke began pouring out of the hole, rapidly increasing in volume as the fire consumed more oxygen. A large explosion occurred moments later, prompting the authorities to begin shouting at bystanders to retreat to behind the Chilton Oil building across the street.

Following the explosion, 30-40 feet flames could be seen out of the top of the building. Multiple loud explosions occurred in the following minutes.

By 9:15 p.m., the fire began to calm. Fire crews used cranes to spray water on the building from above.

As of 10:15 p.m. Friday night, it is unknown what caused the fire, and public officials are unavailable for comment, as several of them are still currently engaged extinguishing the fire. Police Chief Joe Chase told The Salem News that fire crews from other districts had been called in to assist DCFPD.

UPDATE: 12:17 p.m. Saturday

The Dent County Fire Protection District posted on Facebook Saturday morning. 

According to the post, crews worked the scene for approximately 10 hours. A total of 50 personnel were on-scene to assist in different areas of the fire. 

"Due to the heavy fire load in the building the decision was made to call Lenox Fire, Rolla City Fire and Cuba Fire for mutual aid. Also on the scene was the Missouri Fire Marshall's Office, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Salem Memorial District Hospital Ambulance, Salem Police Department, Salem Electric Department, Salem Water Department, Dent County Sheriff's Office, Whitaker Towing, American Automotive & Towing, and Chilton Oil Company," reads the post. 

In another Facebook post made late Friday night, the Salem Police Department said that towing crews had been relaying vehicles out of the parking lot of the business. 

City officials have warned residents that due to high volumes of water being drawn through the system to fight the fire, tap water in the city may appear discolored through today.