A well-known Massachusetts convenience store was destroyed early Thursday morning after a fast-moving fire tore through the building, fire officials in Brockton said.
Firefighters knocked down the fire at Rice's Market on North Main Street after responding to the scene around 5:30 a.m. They continued to extinguish hot spots throughout the morning.
Orlando Andrade has owned the grocery store since the 1990s and has a restaurant inside.
"I still can't believe it's that bad," Andrade said of the damage.
Andrade cooks daily breakfasts and lunches for local adult day cares and donates Thanksgiving dinners.
"Personally it's my livelihood. I built the kitchen to do catering. That's what I love to do." Andrade said.
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Aerial footage from earlier in the day showed large flames spouting from the store, which was closed at the time of the fire.
Fire officials said much of the interior of the building had collapsed.
By mid-morning, the building, which has been a fixture on the corner since the 1920s was knocked down.
"It hurts me… I always call them auntie and uncle," one customer said. "I'm sorry they lost their place, it's hurting me in my heart."
No injuries were reported.
Brockton Deputy Chief Joe Marchetti said firefighters had tried to fight the blaze from the inside, but had to move outside because the fire was over their heads and was spreading too fast.
"Due to the amount of damage and safety of the investigators, the investigation is going be a slow process," Marchetti said.
Marchetti said damages are estimated at more than $500,000.
While the investigation is ongoing, Andrade says he hopes to rebuild.
