Bainbridge Public Safety responded to a significant structure fire in downtown Bainbridge on Sunday. Decatur Auto Parts, a business that has been operating in downtown Bainbridge for more than 4 decades, burned for several hours while crews from BPS and the Decatur County Fire Department battled the blaze. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries and firefighters were able to save the neighboring buildings.
The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time, but crews were on scene for more than four hours as the smoke billowed from the structure on North Broad Street. Witnesses reported seeing heavy black smoke rising from the fire while crews sprayed the flames and the neighboring buildings.
Broad Street was shut down in both directions while crews worked the scene. According to BPS, the fire was put out and the street opened back up around 7:00 p.m. The building has been declared a total loss by Fire Chief Doyle Welch.
I really hate to hear this.. Decatur Auto Parts has been a part of Bainbridge history and a part of my family history for years. My dad worked their for about 20 years. I have very fond memories of the store and the family history behind it. Mr. Gary Frasier and Jimbo Jason and the whole crew are amazing people. I always felt like family.