Collins Fire Department units responded at approximately 3:55 a.m. to a commercial fire alarm at 3450 Highway 49 Frontage Road, where smoke and water flow alarms had been triggered. Firefighters found moderate smoke inside the building and gained entry through the front door.
The fire was located in a display area near the floral section at the back of the store. The building’s fire sprinkler system had activated, helping to suppress the flames. Crews extinguished the fire, deactivated the sprinklers to limit water damage, and ventilated the building to remove remaining smoke.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical short in an extension cord used in a Christmas display. Only a small area was affected, and just two sprinkler heads activated.
Shirley’s management is working to clean up and restore the store, with plans to reopen early next week.
