HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — Several buildings sustained major damage in an overnight fire that ripped through the heart of the historic section of downtown Hampton.
Channel 2 Action News received a call from a resident just after midnight Thursday reporting the fire on East Main Street.
Firefighters said they had a difficult time fighting the flames. They said each time they were able to get the fire under control, it flared back up.
Crews were able to get the fire under control a short time later.
Fire crews said three commercial businesses were on fire: Saki Steakhouse, D&G Exterminating Company and Smokin’ Swine BBQ restaurant.
Channel 2’s Steve Gehlbach spoke to Bobby Jacobs Jr., who co-owns D&G Exterminating with his father. He arrived to work Thursday to see his business in ashes.
"I'm just heartbroken," said Jacobs. "A lot of stuff in there accumulated over the years that you can't replace."
Kelly Bartram said her business, Smokin' Swine, was saved by a fire wall.
"The firewall is holding. We're looking at smoke damage, water damage. Hopefully it will stay that way," Bartram said.
Saxi Steakhouse's roof collapsed due to the extensive damage caused by the fire. The exterminating business also sustained significant damage.
Henry County’s fire chief says they are still working to find out how the fire started. They say it started in the back of Saki Sushi and Steakhouse.
There were no injuries reported.
Jacobs said although he’s upset to see his business destroyed, he plans to rebuild.
“We’ve been here since 1958. We aren’t going anywhere,” said Jacobs.
WSBTV
