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Richmond auto shop owner angry after fire destroys business

Posted at 6:38 AM, Dec 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-05 07:54:14-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Police and Fire are investigating a fire on the city's Northside that destroyed Richmond Auto Repair Services. The owner of the repair shop, which has been in business for 30 years, said he believed someone may have intentionally started the fire that destroyed his business and damaged others between West Graham Road and Overbook Road on Lombardy Street.

"I got a call from a neighbor next door to me. He said the building was on fire. I thought he was joking, but then I jumped out of bed and came on over," Russell House said. "The investigator said he believes someone dropped something in the trashcan,"

House said he and his son worked at Richmond Auto Repair Services.

"It makes me really angry because I've been working a long time here," he said. "You know this is my livelihood, I'll be out of work for awhile."

Richmond Fire crews were called out for the fire at 10:53 p.m. Monday. When they arrived,  they saw heavy flames and were forced to take a defensive approach to battle the fire.

At one point during the fire, power lines came down, so crews just had to hold the fire at bay until Dominion Energy Crews  arrived.

Dominion Energy arrived about 20 minutes later, according to firefighters.

After the power line was deactivated, crews entered the building, and fought the fire.

The fire was marked under control at 12:17 a.m. Tuesday.

Four Richmond Fire engines from two different companies were used to fight the fire.

Fire officials have not released an official cause for this fire.

This is a developing story.

Witnesses can send news tips and photos here.

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