PAULDING COUNTY, Ga — A massive fire overnight gutted a tire shop and a neighboring restaurant in Dallas.
The fire left the owner of the tire shop, Paul Kamondo, speechless and in shock. The building, according to fire officials, cannot be occupied and is a total loss.
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As the fire was being extinguished, hot spots sparked a second fire, bringing fire crews back to the scene. Despite the loss, the tire shop and its owner have received an outpouring of love and support from the community.
Neighbors like Cindy Oldham, who lives about a mile away, stopped by to check on Paul and offer her support.
The restaurant next door, Jessie Mae’s, was also battered by the intense flames. The restaurant, named after the owner’s grandmother, was slated to open next month.
The owner, Shane Ortiz, and his cousin had spent $40,000 on the build-out and renovation, but everything they worked so hard for is now gone. Shane says he hasn’t processed what has happened yet, but he knows it’s a total loss.
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In these trying times, it is heartwarming to see the community come together to support their neighbors. The tire shop and restaurant may be gone, but the love and support from the community will remain.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help raise money to replace the building.
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