Feb 24, 2024 By Mark Hofmann 2 min read

A Friday fire at Grindle’s Market in Vanderbilt was brought under control quickly, because of its close proximity to the area’s volunteer fire department.

Chief Shane Lynn of D.L.&V. VFD said the department’s headquarters sit behind the market, which is located at 921 Leisenring Road.

“We were lucky we got a good jump on it,” Lynn said, adding that they were able to get the fire under control in about 15 minutes. “It could have been a lot worse.”

When crews arrived just before 3 a.m., Lynn said, heavy smoke was coming from the eaves of the building. He said the fire was mostly contained to the interior of the building, which sustained significant smoke and water damage. A room or two inside sustained extensive fire damage.

Lynn said no one was injured.

Fayette County 911 said officials initially received notification that the market’s burglary alarm was going off before the fire was reported. According to the Grindle’s Facebook page, the store was broken into last week, causing some damage.

State police Trooper Kalee Barnhart said the fire marshal is investigating to determine where and how the fire started.

Along with D.L.&V. VFD at the state police, fire departments from Connellsville Township, South Connellsville, New Haven Hose Co., Dawson, Morrell, Perryopolis, Flatwoods and Scottdale responded to the fire as well as Fayette EMS.

Fayette County 911 stated that the crews cleared the scene at 8:03 a.m.