DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Some businesses are temporarily closed after an early morning fire broke out on Memorial Drive.
On Sunday, at approximately 6 a.m., the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department responded to 5300 Memorial Dr., in DeKalb County, Ga.
The fire had started on the second floor of the business complex, but it’s origin remains undetermined.
“With so many small businesses impacted by the fire, they’re hoping to bounce back. With hope and patience,” Lee Armstrong said.
“I feel sad. Really sad… Overwhelming. There are a lot of folks in this office park that have been here for a long, long time.”
Armstrong’s father and his team built the business complex more than 20 years ago.
“For me it’s personal because his DNA is all over this place,” she said.
“I just can’t imagine all the disruption that’s going to come to people’s lives. And how it’s going to completely change the direction of their businesses,” she continued.
And for business owner, Kevin Tucker, it’s a severe inconvenience for the building’s businesses.
Tucker, who owns a therapy office in one of the downstairs suites. While his unit wasn’t destroyed by the actual flames, he is out water and electricity for the time being.
“I was surprised. Didn’t expect to see nothing like this. But, I’m grateful it wasn’t my unit. However, it looks like I won’t be able to use my unit,” Tucker said.
“You really have to make sure when you get into these small businesses, that you can sustain them.”
While damages varied throughout each business suite, there were no injuries reported, according to the fire department.
