Malden, Mo., Plaza Tire store heavily damaged by fire

MALDEN, Mo. — A fire forced a Malden business to temporarily shut its doors Sunday.

The Malden Fire Department received a call of a fire at Plaza Tire Service, at 1208 N. Douglas St., at 5:03 p.m. Sunday.

Fifteen Malden firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. Three volunteer firefighters from the Gideon Fire Department, who were in town preparing to eat dinner at the Mexican restaurant beside Plaza Tire, also joined in the fight, according to firefighter Gary Beckham.

The 18 men, along with three firetrucks, were on the scene until around 9 p.m.

Although the cause of the fire is unknown, it is believed it started on the south end of the building. The state fire marshal's office will be investigating the cause.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

"We'll be back. We'll reopen as soon as possible," said Plaza Tire Service vice president Scott Rhodes, who was on the scene Monday morning assessing the damage.

Rhodes said that until the Malden facility is reopened, customers can get service at the Dexter, Mo., and Kennett, Mo., branches.

Although the Malden branch will be inoperable for the time being, the good news for the Malden employees during this tough economic crisis is that they will be displaced to other stores until their brach is re-opened.

"There's a lot of damage inside. It'll be awhile until they reopen," Beckham said. In addition to fire, smoke and water damage, several openings had to be made in the walls to help firemen fight the fire."

"The Malden fire and police departments were great. They did a good job for us," said Rhodes.