Company Catches Fire in Montgomery; City Shuts It Down

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: Aug 2, 2012 at 4:40 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 2, 2012 at 6:36 PM CDT

Following a fire at a local company this morning, city officials in Montgomery have shut down the business.

Investigators say the fire that happened at Southeast Pallet was no accident. They say multiple code violations is the reason why the warehouse went up in flames, and neighbors say the news isn't surprising.

"I don't know how it happened. My wife thought someone was shooting outside. But it was popping noises from the fire," says neighbor Roger McQueen. "It was popping so loud."

McQueen says the scene was all too familiar.

"Approximately a year ago from today, a fire occurred right here at Southeast Pallet Company, which caused Highway 31 to be shut down for more than 24 hours," he says.

Southeast Pallet on Washington Ferry Road has caught fire twice. Once in July 2011 and the other early Wednesday morning. Both requiring dozens of firefighters to battle the blaze.

Director of Public Safety Chris Murphy says both blazes started from the same cause, and both have caused the company to shut down.

"It's still under investigation. It doesn't appear to be arson, but it seems to be related to code violations again, so we have shut them down until we can get them up to code. It's a public safety issue," says Murphy.

Murphy says some of the violations include  the quantity and location of materials and the way the materials were stored.

We tried contacting the owner, but he says he didn't want to to talk to us until he can further asses the situation.

McQueen says he hopes the problems are fixed, because he says neighbors are tired of waking up to flashing lights.

"It needs to be investigated. Something needs to be done about it, because next time it's going to be a big disaster or cause injury or even death," says McQueen.

Investigators say no one was injured.

City officials have not said whether the company will be fined.  The case is still under investigation.
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