SCRANTON, Pa. — Fire investigators have ruled the fire an accident.
Insulation in the roof caught fire from a piece of machinery that malfunctioned, said Fire Chief John Judge. The building suffered fire, smoke and water damage because of the fire.
Original story:
Fire damaged part of a grocery store in Scranton early Monday morning.
Firefighters were confronted with smoke pouring from the top of the Giant supermarket in the Green Ridge Plaza, just off Nay Aug Avenue in Scranton, when they arrived after 4 a.m. Monday.
The fire was in part of the building used for storage and near where hot food is made for sale in the front.
"They found some fire below the ceiling, below the roof line, inside, near the back of the store," said Scranton Fire Chief John Judge.
Firefighters attacked the flames from inside and outside and from below and above. The store was closed when the fire broke out. It happened two hours before opening time. Only a few employees were inside, and they all made it out safely.
The fire was declared under control in about an hour, but the problems at this supermarket might just be beginning.
Smoke filled the front of the building where shoppers grab items from the shelves. There is also water damage. Everything might have to be thrown away.
"Some smoke in that area. We're working with code enforcement officers and health inspectors," said Chief Judge.
Giant was scheduled to open at 6 a m. A few shoppers showed up, unaware the building had burned and the store was closed.
"A little sad," Lisa Williams said. "I get good deals here. It's very convenient and close to home."
Williams will look for another supermarket until Giant opens again.
Jessica McKinney will have a tougher time. She doesn't drive.
"It probably messes us up for a while because this is our local store, and we walk, so this is the store we come to the most."
The coupons and the sale signs go away for a while, replaced by a "condemned" sign on the front door—a notice this Giant is temporarily out of business until the fire damage is repaired and the store is restocked.
The Giant Company issued the following statement:
"Early this morning, a fire broke out at the GIANT store located at 1600 Nay Aug Ave., Scranton. No team members or customers were harmed in this incident. We continue to fully cooperate with the local fire and health department authorities.
"Due to the damage sustained and cleanup required, the Scranton GIANT will remain temporarily closed. This also includes GIANT Direct services. In the interim, shoppers may choose to visit the nearest GIANT located at 1550 Main St., Dickson City."