Everharts fire investigated

Jefferson City firefighters responded to a fire at Everharts Outdoor Supply Saturday evening on Missouri Boulevard. Photo by Stephen Brooks.

By The Associated Press

Monday, January 3, 2011

The state fire marshal’s office on Sunday continued to investigate the cause of a Saturday night fire that damaged a recently closed business in Jefferson City.

Six Jefferson City Fire Department crews responded about 7:46 p.m. Saturday to Everharts Outdoors, 2436 Missouri Blvd.

No injuries resulted from the fire, said Doug Strope, a JCFD assistant chief.

Strope said the fire was suspicious in nature and involved a high-dollar damage amount, two reasons for calling the state fire marshal’s office to investigate. No exact damage estimate was available, although Strope said the building was not destroyed.

The lower level warehouse of the building had heavy smoke showing when crews arrived. Fire damaged the lower level, and smoke damage occurred throughout the building.

Crews left the scene about 11 p.m.

The business, located near Staples on Missouri Boulevard, sold hunting and fishing equipment. It closed on Dec. 24. A going-out-of-business message was posted on its website in November. In part, it said: “It has been a rough year for the company with no end in sight.”

More like this story

mamaj01 2 years, 4 months ago

HHHMMM that doesnt sound like insurance fraud at all!!

DisgustedwithU 2 years, 4 months ago

You should be ashamed of yourself! What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Looks like the public has convicted this poor guy before the investigation is even done. No wonder he went out of business in this simple-minded city.

mamaj01 2 years, 4 months ago

you know i would feel bad if it had burned down BEFORE he went out of business, but way too suspicious!! And this SIMPLE minded city is SIMPLE minded because of "OMG POOR GUY" minded people! yes there are some out there that are having hard times, but does that give them the right to do insurance fraud and make our rates go up...GET INTO REALITY seriously!!!

fishbowl72 2 years, 4 months ago

It does sound suspicious, but there are some things that aren't being reported. I have heard that the guy that owned the business originally bought it and the original Everhart's store in Clinton from the original owner(s). The one in Clinton was sold back to them. This guy also owns the Rib Crib franchise. I don't believe someone with that kind of money would really bother himself with burning out a building for insurance, especially since he is not a local resident. I am aware that they were going to send the remaining unsold stock to an auction. Generally at this type of auction items sell for pennies on the dollar, so that makes the fire look even more suspicious. Factor in that the business was closed for a week - long enough to make a detailed inventory- and it just doesn't look very good. Even after looking at these details and circumstances arson may be in play, but I doubt it was the owner who did it.

JCLifer 2 years, 4 months ago

Maybe they can put in a Rib Crib where Everhardts used to be!!! That would be EXCELLENT news!

Please review our Policies and Procedures before registering or commenting

Or login with:

OpenID

News Tribune