FOX 21/27 – WFXR Roanoke/WWCW Lynchburg News, WeatherWythe County fire results in total loss for store owners

The owners of Pure Country Convenience Store in Wythe County returned to the scene one day after a massive fire caused severe damage to their business.

Jim and Teresa Powell tell us the fire resulted in a total loss for the store, and the hair salon inside.

The Powell's son-in-law, who also works at the store was inside when the building went up in flames.

"I went to go close the store down and I saw smoke from the back room. We didn't know what it was. We couldn't see a thing. It was covered in smoke," said Larry Thompson.

Thompson says the building was fully engulfed by the time fire fighters got to the scene.

"We were all able to get out of the store," said Thompson. "It's hard to really believe it's gone, but we're just going to have to get through it. Everything will be okay, hopefully."

The store owners tell us they are not sure at this time whether or not they will rebuild.

Fire officials tell us they are still trying to determine the cause. They say it likely started in a dryer in the back of the store.