Friday fire destroys Pik-A-Pop

The Pik-A-Pop mini-mart, deli and China Express restaurant on First Avenue went up in flames Friday afternoon, Aug. 18 after a fire broke out in the south end of the structure at approximately 1:23 p.m.

“The building was a total loss,” Fire Chief Gary Lebacken said. “But we were able to prevent any damage to the gas pumps and the propane tank.”

Crews from Adams County Fire District No. 5 arrived on the scene in a matter of minutes to battle the blaze. A total of 21 firefighters including personnel from Grant County Fire District No. 10 out of Royal City, and GCFD No. 11 out of Royal Slope worked in a coordinated the effort to prevent further damage to the area.

No injuries were reported. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Lebacken did say it had spread through a concealed space and went unnoticed for a period of time.