Country western store destroyed by fire

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (WSVN) -- A historic business is completely destroyed after a blaze burned out of control.

Margate Fire Rescue units responded to the fire at Grifs Western, a country western store located at 5730 N. State Road 7 at around 6:15 a.m., Saturday. More than 100 firefighters from several cities helped to extinguish the fire, which burned for hours. According to officials, the fire was difficult to put out because the store was made almost entirely of wood. "They made an aggressive fire attack, but as you can see, the fire was so well-involved that it's taken several hours to get it under control," Mike Moser of Margate Fire Rescue said.

Sky Mercede witnessed the fire. "I saw flames shooting out of the roof, a bunch of firefighters here, rescue units, policemen," said Mercede.

Crews were finally able to control the flames, but the business, which has been established for more than 40 years, was totally charred. Sindi P'Pool, the store manager, said, "It's very devastating. It's very, very devastating. When I walked upon it this morning, all I could do was cry. It's devastating, and even though we have other locations that I'm sure I'll go help at, this is my home."

The country western store attracted many customers from across the globe. "We will rebuild. Be patient, and thank you for your support through all the years and for your future support because, like I said, we'll be back," said P'Pool.

No injuries were reported.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

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