DALLAS - Dallas firefighters are still trying to determine what started a three alarm fire at an east Dallas strip mall this morning.
The flames sent customers and employees scrambling into the parking lot on a frigid Friday just after 8 a.m.
Fire investigators say the flames started inside the business Stereo Zone just minutes after it had opened for business in the 2700 block of South Buckner Boulevard.
Employee Chris Alvarez told WFAA he is grateful everyone, including several customers, got out safely. Seeing all the damage, Alvarez said he can't help but worry he will be out of a job.
Firefighters do not know how or exactly why the business caught on fire.
Employees at neighboring businesses in the strip mall say it made for a frightening start to the day. At the nearby check-cashing business, employee Amanda Figueroa said she was just arriving at work when she saw heavy smoke and flames shooting from Stereo Zone just two doors down. Figueroa told News 8 she ran inside to warn her store manager of the danger.
Firefighters said no one was hurt, but four businesses have been damaged. The Stereo Zone is badly damaged. Smoke and water damage have affected a next door auto shop, barber shop and check-cashing business.
The businesses remain closed at noon as fire investigators move in to begin identifying the source and cause of this early morning fire.
E-mail cvega@wfaa.com
