Two big fires in two weeks have badly damaged businesses in Gallows Bay. Both are under investigation by the territory’s Arson Prevention Unit and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Stop and Save in Gallows Bay, across the street from Canegata Ballpark, has been closed since a major fire April 29. Deputy Fire Chief Paul Christian said the first firefighting unit to arrive saw the front of the store filled with black smoke, but could not immediately access the fire due to the gate in the front being locked. So they cut a lock to enter through the back and proceed to fight the fire.
Then, May 8, the nearby St. Croix Lumberyard went up in flames.
The Arson Prevention Unit and ATF went through the St. Croix Trading Company on Saturday and the ATF is looking at the Stop and Save Monday, Christian said.
The causes of both fires are still under investigation.
“We will probably have a determination later this week,” Christian said Monday.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated and corrected to indicate there were two fires in Gallows Bay businesses: one on April 29 and one on May 8.
