Competitors of Copeland Auto Electric have offered to let owner Kevin Copeland use their buildings and tools until he can rebuild his business. The fire destroyed the shop, all the tools and seven vehicles that were at the shop for repairs.
Below is the article as it appeared on the WSAV-TV Channel 3 website.
Fire Destroys Auto Repair Shop in Vidalia
June 07, 2011
By Ansley Sanders
VIDALIA, GA — A Christian-based auto repair shop in Vidalia was destroyed by fire early Monday evening.
Kevin Copeland, the owner of Copeland Auto Electric on Highway 15, says the blaze was caused by a vehicle that had been left for repair earlier in the afternoon.
The fire started around 6:30 after everyone had left for the day.
"Everything’s destroyed. I don’t even have a roll of tape left," Copeland said.
The blaze destroyed the shop, all the tools and even six other vehicles that were there for repair.
But Copeland tells News 3 that the community has really stepped-up to help.
He said that several of his competitors have offered to let him use their buildings and tools until he can get the shop back up and running.
To read the entire article on the WSAV-TV Channel 3 website, visit http://www2.wsav.com/news/2011/jun/07/fire-destroys-auto-repair-sho-vidalia-ar-1941142/.