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NEWS
Investigations continue into weekend fires
Nanna's Country Restaurant, located at 4801 U.S. 60 in Huntington, was destoyed by fire on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010.
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MILTON -- Two businesses separated by about 10 miles waited Monday for state investigators to determine a cause of two weekend fires that caused significant losses.
The first fire destroyed a warehouse and office space at Conveyor Manufacturing & Supply in Milton. The company employs 11 workers and manufactures equipment to run conveyor belts throughout the coal industry.
Office manager Riley Lowe said the 6:25 p.m. fire destroyed hundreds of thousands of dollars in product. Flames didn't touch the company's shop, allowing work to continue Monday. Company officials were working to establish temporary office and storage space.
"It's going to be a setback, but something we'll be able to work our way through," he said.
Lowe said he and others speculate an electrical problem sparked the blaze.
Milton Volunteer Fire Chief Brent Taylor said his department received aerial help from volunteer firefighters in Hurricane and Barboursville, along with other forms of assistance from those stationed in Culloden, Ona, Green Valley, Salt Rock, Valley and Ohio River Road.
Some of those departments then fought the second fire at Nanna's Country Diner at U.S. 60 and Interstate 64 interchange at 29th Street.
Barboursville Volunteer Fire Chief Paul Hockenberry said officials speculate an electrical problem with a window air conditioner may have ignited the fire. He reported heavy fire damage to the front corner of the building. He credited good construction of the double-wide trailer with helping firefighters contain the fire to one area.
The restaurant had served customers for nearly 20 years since being founded by the late Mike Carroll. The diner was frequented by truck drivers who stopped at the Go-Mart truck stop located next door.
Taylor said a firefighter suffered heat exhaustion at the Milton fire, but no other injuries were reported. That firefighter was treated at a local hospital and released.
