Smoke investigation at Salem Dollar General ends without fire
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- Firefighters found smoke at Lee County Dollar General but located no fire or heat source after extensive search.
- Store employees safely evacuated; crews used thermal imaging to investigate, finding no cause. No injuries reported.
Firefighters responded late Monday night to a report of smoke inside a Dollar General store in Lee County, but after an extensive search, crews were unable to locate a fire or heat source.
Image: Salem Volunteer Fire Department
According to Salem Volunteer Fire Department officials, Engine 511, Rescue 520 and five volunteer firefighters were dispatched at approximately 9:50 p.m. to the Dollar General located on Lee Road 175 following reports of smoke inside the building.
The Crawford Volunteer Fire Department also responded with mutual aid, sending Engines 304, 305 and 306 along with three volunteer firefighters.
Image: Salem Volunteer Fire Department
Upon arrival, firefighters found that store employees had safely evacuated the building. Crews reported light smoke inside the store and conducted a thorough search using thermal imaging cameras to detect any hidden fire or heat source.
Despite the investigation, firefighters were unable to locate the cause of the smoke and found no active fire.
Units remained on scene for more than an hour before clearing the call at approximately 11:16 p.m.
Image: Salem Volunteer Fire Department
The incident comes just one week after a fire damaged a Dollar General store in Fort Mitchell, prompting a significant emergency response. It is unclear whether the two incidents are connected.
No injuries were reported in Monday night’s incident.
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