Cause of Dill’s Fire Delayed Until Debris is Removed
Debris from Dill’s fire must be cleared away before cause can be determined
It could be weeks before an exact cause is determined in the fire that destroyed Dill’s Food City in Royston.
It is believed the fire started somewhere in the back of the store but the amount of debris has hampered a full investigation.
WLHR News reached out to Bryce Rawson with the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s office Tuesday.
Rawson confirmed that the search for a cause of the fire is being delayed by the amount of debris left by the blaze.
“Because of the roof collapsing into the building during the fire, investigators are having to wait for the debris to be cleared out before a full investigation can take place,” he said. “However, at this time foul play is not suspected.”
The fire broke out at the store around midnight, Saturday morning, Feb 17, according to Royston Fire Chief Matt Elrod who said when he arrived, the store was fully engulfed in flames.
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Elrod said at one point, firefighters tried to get inside the store to fight the fire and check if anyone was inside but he said the roof began to collapse and they had to evacuate.
Three stores on both sides of Dill’s Food City remain closed until further notice due to smoke and water damage from the fire.
WLHR News has learned that Savannah Valley Carpets, Tri-County Sports, and El Manzanillo Mexican Restaurant all plan to relocate.
El Manzanillo is preparing to move to where the Bojangles used to be and according to city officials had been planning that move since before the fire.
Meantime, Dill’s owner Stan Dilworth said they do plan to rebuild.