Blaze Destroys Antique Store

A fireplace insert sparked a weekend fire that destroyed most of the Sluicebox antique shop, a local landmark.

Volunteer Fire Chief Terry Teeter said parts of the building probably dated back to the early 1900s.

The fire was reported by a neighbor about 8:15 p.m. Saturday while owners Larry and Ruth Carter were visiting friends, Teeter said. The building was engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived.

Most of the shop and its contents were destroyed, but Teeter said the attached living quarters are still habitable. He said the Carters estimated the loss at about $200,000.

“I know they had a lot of antiques, and the value of them was pretty precious, but who knows?” Teeter said.

As many as 30 firefighters and four engines fought the flames.