CENTRE – A fast response from local firefighters kept a Wednesday morning fire at Fuel City from reaching the main store.

Cherokee County 911 dispatched crews around 9:20 a.m. after receiving a report of a fire near the smoker. Smoke was coming from the building’s smokehouse section when first responders arrived.

The Centre Fire Department and Cherokee County EMA immediately began attacking the fire. As they worked, crews discovered that flames had moved into the roof and were threatening the adjoining store.

Firefighters used saws to open parts of the structure, reach the flames, and ventilate the building. Safety features built into the property also helped crews contain the fire and limit further damage.

Centre Fire requested mutual aid as the operation continued. The Leesburg Fire Department responded, while Spring Creek Fire Department brought a tanker and McCord’s Crossroads Fire Department supplied a command truck.

The Centre Police Department closed part of the bypass so crews could run hose and safely position their equipment. The closure extended from the traffic light at CVS to the light near Cherokee Plaza and the ROC.

The bypass reopened at approximately 10:45 a.m.

Although the fire was first reported near the smoker, investigators have not determined the exact cause. Officials have not released a full damage estimate.