God bless you, Mr Davis. And may He reward your faith with generous provision for you, your family and your employees.
By Jonathan Overstreet and Bill Norton
Staff Writers
A well-known Augusta business was destroyed by fire Sunday morning.
Battalion Chief Bryan McFeeley of the Augusta Fire Department said it took three to four hours for firefighters from 10 companies to bring the blaze at Davis Appliance and Furniture, 3273 Deans Bridge Road, under control. He said the building was a total loss.
"It takes a lot of water to cover a fire like that, and it was burning extensively when we got there," Chief McFeely said.
He said the first unit arrived within roughly three minutes of being dispatched about 7:20 a.m. and that the remaining companies had arrived within five to eight minutes.
The roof of the building collapsed within the first hour, he said.
Davis Appliance has been doing business in the Augusta area for 35 years, owner Paul M. Davis Sr. said Sunday night.
Mr. Davis said that he had insurance on the business but that he did not think it would cover all of the damage. He had no estimate of the cost of the damage to the 20,000-square foot structure.
Mr. Davis said that the fire comes at the worst time possible because he does most of his business during the holiday season.
"The good Lord does things for a reason, I don't know what the reason is, but I believe it will work itself out," he said.
Augusta Fire Chief Howard Willis and Chief McFeely said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Chief McFeely said firefighters remained at the scene until about 7:35 p.m. putting out hot spots.
"We didn't have any injuries," he said. "Everybody left tired but in good shape."
Reach Jonathan Overstreet or Bill Norton at (706) 724-0851.
MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF
<b>With the melted remains of the roof in front of them, Augusta-Richmond County Firefighters spray water on smoldering embers at the Davis Appliance and Furniture store on Deans Bridge Road. The fire was put out three to four hours after authorities got there. </b>[CAPTION]</p>
<p><b>After cutting a hole in the wall, firefighters get to work. Owner Paul M. Davis Sr. said he doubts insurance will cover all of the damage. </b>
Comments
God bless you, Mr Davis. And may He reward your faith with generous provision for you, your family and your employees.
At least no one was hurt, my deepest sympathy for the owners and employees...
Mr. Davis, is the monkey safe?
Mr. Davis so sorry for your loss and God will Bless you and take care of you.
I want to say a big Thank You to the two officers who were detouring traffic around the fire on highway 1 at the Super Walmart. One of the officers gave me directions and the other guy was just plain nice and willing to help out. Richmond County officers have always been courteous and helpful anytime I had dealings with them.
Thankfully, no one was hurt. My prayers are with the Davis family and their employees. I truly hope they will be able to recover.
Kudos to ARCFD!!! They were deligent in their attempts to save the property, but never forgot the safety of the firefighters. Everyone when home tired but safe. The design and fireload within this type of facility has killed firefighters before. As raves to Mr. Davis. Those who have faith will always perserve through the tribulations. God is not a punishing God, but a merciful father. He is there to support you and provide your needs. Faith will help you understand his plan. I am sure you will find that the insurance and good sales will make this sad day a faint memory soon. God Bless all, Mr. Davis, family, and employees, Chief Willis and all the firefighters, and the other emergency responders.
Good Job to the Augusta Richmond County Firefighters and the RCSD!
Let me add my thanks for the firemen and their quick response. As always you are right there when we need you, unfortunately the city dosen't remember you when it comes to talking about pay raises. But, I for one believe you earn every penny you make.
This is simply awful. When you reopen, I will commit to purchasing that new dishwasher and stove! You are a asset tot he community and we will support your rebuild.
Just a note of THANKS to the Augusta Fire and Police Dept. from my family and our employees.
They performed their jobs professionally and with compassion. We have been honored to be a part of the Augusta/CSRA community for 40 years. 35 Years in this location.
We look forward to rebuilding our business, and feel truly blessed that no one was hurt in this tragedy. Our employees look forward to serving the community in our temporary quarters until we can rebuild.
The Davis Appliance Family
I'm sorry to hear about this fire but I just want to comment on the statement made by Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis the Lord didn't cause this fire. Please don't blame it on him. I hope he blesses you though with better.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Davis. He was very kind to my son when he had a small amount of money and needed a lot. Mr. Davis helped them not only with a washer and dryer but worked it out so he got the fidge he needed. I know he is in business to make money but he has shown over and over he is a down to earth person that understands when a new couple is starting out. I do hope he rebuilds because he is good for all the CSRA.
Thankfully, no one was hurt in fire; I am sorry for your loss, but the good Lord had nothing to do with the circumstances. Things happen, but not at His direction.
laprince and mable8 - Mr. Davis said "The good Lord does things for a reason, I don't know what the reason is, but I believe it will work itself out." 1.- he wasn't trying to blame God and 2.- God controls all. God may do things that don't fit into our big plans for things, but he has plans that are even better for us. Read the story for what it says, not what you want to read in it.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
I just would like to know what Mr.Davis is going to do for his employees until he reopens at another place.you know its almost christmas and how are they going to buy their children anything without a job right now.maybe people should take up donations for them.just a thought.
lae1980 that is an excellent idea. I pray that be the case.
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