![Clay, Lizemore, Big Otter, Clendenin, and Pinch VFDs respond to fire at old IGA building in Clay.](http://www.mountainmedianews.com/clayfreepress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Fire-at-Old-IGA-on-Main-Street-Clay.-.jpg)
![The aftermath–building is a total loss. Photo by LVFD Chief Justin Elliott](http://www.mountainmedianews.com/clayfreepress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IGA-Fire.Photo-by-LVFD-Chief-Justin-Elliott-169x300.jpg)
Last Tuesday morning, just a little after 6am, county base came over the scanner and asked for Station 20, Clay VFD, to respond to a commercial structure fire located on Main Street in Clay. Shortly after, Station 20 requested for assistance from Lizemore VFD Station 40 and Big Otter VFD Station 30. Volunteer firefighters got out of bed in high gear to fight this fire. Upon arriving on scene and further assessing the situation, CVFD Fire Chief Mike Scott requested more assistance from Clendenin VFD and Pinch VFD.
The Old IGA Store, which now held the M&M Thrift Store had caught fire. The fire quickly spread throughout the building, which had also experienced flooding that hit on June 23rd. After already having to deal with the damage from the flood, this just wasn’t what the Nichols’, owners of the building, wanted to happen. Luckily, the responding fire departments were able to contain the fire. Unfortunately the building is a total loss, but very fortunate that no one was hurt by this devastating event.