Dunrovin Country Store near Vass on U.S. Highway 1 was destroyed by a fire Saturday evening.
Several area firefighters battled the blaze after it broke out between the first and second floors around 6:30 p.m., with heavy flames fanning out from the closed store.
The first unit arriving on scene reported a working fire with heavy smoke coming from the structure’s left side.
U.S. Highway 1 southbound was shut down, and traffic was rerouted northbound at Savannah Lane because multiple fire departments were working the scene and large hoses were laid out along the highway.
Personnel from surrounding counties were dispatched to help contain the blaze. It was a four-alarm fire, meaning three extra waves of backup were needed.
No one was inside the building at the time of the fire, as the business had already closed. The business used to have a small zoo in the back with a few exotic animals, but all were rehomed within the past year or so.
The fire reached about halfway across the three-store plaza attached to the left side of the main building.
Firefighters remained on scene for hours, fighting to contain the flames.
One firefighter sustained an electrical shock while on a ladder attempting to fight the fire. He was treated by EMS on scene and released back to duty.
The exact cause of the fire is unknown as of this story, but the Moore County Fire Marshal was on scene and is investigating.
Staff from nearby Bob’s Pizza brought over food and drinks for first responders. McDonald’s in Carthage, Dollar General in Vass, and Little Caesars in Vass also provided food and beverages for first responders on scene.
Dunrovin Country Store has been a staple in Moore County for several decades. It’s known for its inventory of unique gifts and a wide selection of foods and recently added an Amish deli.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by a former employee.
Daniel Gwyn | Reporter
Article, photos, and video by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Daniel Gwyn. Daniel has been reporting breaking news for Sandhills Sentinel since 2020.
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