Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

South Fork Truck Stop burns

The South Fork Truck Stop was destroyed by fire Thursday, Oct. 5.

Gurdon firefighters were called to the blaze at South Fork Truck Stop around 7:30 p.m., according to Gurdon Fire Chief Robert Burns. By the time firefighters arrived, the building was almost fully engulfed.

When I got there, I could see flames going up the walls towards the second story, Burns said.

Luckily, the fire never spread to the second story of the building despite the fact that portion of the building had pine floors which are often quick to ignite. It was in this portion of the building that owner Gary Deaton kept most of his business records.

During an interview on Sept. 6, Deaton said the records had received some damage, mostly smoke and some water, during the fire but were generally in tact.

Gurdon firefighters responded to the fire to assist firefighters from Curtis who arrived at about the same time, Burns said. Firefighters from Okolona were also at the scene. About 11 of the 15 firefighters from Gurdon responded, but some were sent back to town to stand by in case they were needed in town.

Our first priority is inside the city, Burns said.

Fire officials have determined that the fire began in the kitchen, but it is not clear what the source of the fire was. More than likely it was a grease fire that just got out of hand, Burns said. They just werent able to stop it.

The truck stop was open at the time of the fire, and there were seven people working inside, according to manager Kim Giles. Although she was not at the business when the fire started, she said one of the waitresses on duty in the restaurant told her that there were about 30-40 customers in the dining room and several more throughout the store when the fire broke out. Everyone was able to get out of the building without injury.

The building was a total loss, but Deaton said he will rebuild.

I dont know how soon itll be, he said. Well have to demolish it. It will be a little bit.

Deaton said one thing he will have to wait on is an investigation by insurance officials. Adjusters were on scene Friday.

Deaton opened the truck stop at exit 63 on I-30 more than 20 years ago, and employed about 35 people. He said the business celebrated its 20 year anniversary in June 2005.

Giles said that some truckers who often stop in at South Fork had either stopped by or called to check on the business during the day on Friday.

The mechanics shop at the location will continue to be open, and truckers are welcome to continue to park on the lot, Deaton said.