Smoker fire interrupts business

GRAVETTE — A small fire in a smoker at Marvin’s IGA shut down the business for a few hours last Friday afternoon, causing the building to be filled with smoke.

Gravette’s fire department quickly responded and neighboring departments were alerted until it was determined their assistance was not required.

Tom Ward, store manager, said the fire was contained in the smoker and there was no other damage. The incident occurred about 2:30 p.m.

Store employees and customers were evacuated and the store remained closed about three hoursuntil large fans cleared the premises of the smoke.

Only a faint trace of smoke odor remained in the building and customers are advised it’s business as usual.

Ward expressed appreciation to the fire department for its quick response and to the customers for their patience during the brief shutdown.