Jack Rogers Tire Pros Announces Closure After April Fire

Upon arrival, the fire had reached approximately 50% of the roof. The agents claim to have then requested additional staff, including volunteers.

Sawyer said there was a power line down, which caused a short delay.

The Aiken Public Safety Department, Beech Island Fire Department and Graniteville-Vaucluse-Warrenville Fire Department were just some of the crews on scene.

Sawyer says the building “is a total loss.”

Crews were working to free the tires as the roof fell on them, he said.

We spoke with owner James Rogers who said: “It's a cruel April Fool's joke, that's what I thought it was this morning. It's my life. It's all I've ever known.

But as he walked towards the building, he realized that what he saw was real.

“It was completely submerged when I got there,” Rogers said.

The store had thousands of tires stacked, even on the second floor.

The store had been in business since 1975.

“I hope to come back one day and do it again.” I don't know, I'm 67 years old. I just don’t know,” he said.

Rogers says he is “emotional and devastated for his employees.” He told us he didn't know what the next step would be.

Rogers says he is grateful no one was injured and for the response from law enforcement.

“I hope the lord takes care of us and all my employees and we can go from there,” he said.

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