Part of Williams Tire's building collapsed during the fire. (Aug. 15, 2012/FOX Carolina)
Flames burned through the roof of Williams Tire on Pendleton Road in Greenville. (Aug. 14, 2012/FOX Carolina)GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) -
Firefighters spent several hours battling a massive blaze at a Greenville County tire shop on Pendleton Road before part of the building succumbed to the flames.
Officials said the fire ignited just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, and it took 40 firefighters to put out the fire at Williams Tire.
Investigators are working to determine what sparked the blaze and if someone set it. Firefighters said when they arrived, the tires were on fire in the back of the building, spreading the fire throughout. Part of the building collapsed.
SLIDESHOW: Flames soar after tire shop catches fire
"When I first saw it, I couldn't believe my eyes," said Steven Lister, an employee at Williams Tire who has only been on the job a week. "It's a shame, a job loss. Now I'm going to have to find another job."
Owner of the business, Keith Williams, said he moved his business to the Pendleton Road location about a 18 months ago after his Poinsett Highway shop caught fire.
While the previous fire was electrical, Williams said he believes Tuesday's fire was set on purpose.
He said he does not have insurance and employs two people at the Pendleton Road shop.
Officials said no injuries were reported. Firefighters said the building was old but had some new additions, which may have made fighting the flames more difficult.
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