Former Jackson firefighter's hobby shop damaged in fire

A building co-owned by a former volunteer Jackson firefighter storing antique fire trucks and fire service collectibles caught fire Thursday night and suffered extensive smoke and heat damage.

The Jackson Fire Department dispatched to 1130 Lenco Ave. at 8:50 p.m. On arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from both ends of the building.

The antique trucks were unharmed, but Billy Joe Thompson Jr.'s hobby shop in the center of the building was left scarred and blackened. Several friends and family members helped Thompson Friday with the task of salvage and cleaning up sooty debris.

The building is owned by Thompson Enterprises and Greg Howard. Thompson spent more than 20 years himself battling blazes as a volunteer firefighter in Jackson before retiring from the department a few years ago.

"I'm a terrible pack rat," Thompson said as he looked over the years of collectibles damaged by the smoke.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but the consensus among investigators and Thompson was that it may have been an electric or wiring problem.

"We're thinking it's electrical because the damage is centered around that electric box," he said, gesturing to the wall. "But we haven't made a decision yet and they're calling it undetermined."

The fire was contained in the center wall divider and attic space. It was brought under control in about 30 minutes, but firefighters remained on the scene for hot spots and overhaul until 12:30 a.m.

"The new thermal imaging camera proved its worth," said training officer Jason Mouser. "The smoke was so thick you couldn't see the fire, but all you had to do was put that camera in there and point the nozzle man."

Mutual aid was provided by fire departments in Gordonville and Cape Girardeau. Cape County Private Ambulance was on the scene to provide medical aid to the firefighters.

There were two minor injuries. One firefighter, Randy Sanders, suffered an injured knee and another crew member's eye caught a piece of falling insulation as he was pulling down parts of the ceiling. Both men were treated at the scene and did not require hospital care, Mouser said.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160