Davie Volunteer Fire Department Chief David Padgett said the call was received around 4:30 this morning and upon arriving heavy smoke was showing from all sides of the building.
The smoke had initially snuffed out the flames but when it cleared, winds reignited it, leaving firefighters to contend with hotspots.
Rheasville firefighters came out on automatic mutual aid and Roanoke Rapids was dispatched because of the size of the building and to make use of its ladder truck.
Detective Joe Sealey, right, consults with officers.
Padgett said the location of ignition or the means of how the fire was started has not been determined. It is believed from interviews with law enforcement and the owner of the building, Scott Aman, of New Dixie Oil, the building was broken into by breaking out glass in the front door.
Aman said there was no power to the building since it has been closed and up for rent. “We had some individuals interested in renting it out.”
Padgett said it would be hard to guess motive.
Rolling out crime scene tape.
Lieutenant George Evans of the sheriff's office it could have been anything, from someone trying to keep warm or someone breaking in to use drugs.
Firefighters cleared the scene shortly before 7:30. Some 30 firefighters between the three departments responded and no one was hurt.
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