Everharts fire investigated

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

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."