North Little Rock, Ark. - The North Little Rock Fire Department rushed to the Shell gas station on McCain Boulevard to see a car wash in flames on Saturday morning.
Chief Battalion Josh Cox said he later found out that there were several unsheltered individuals that were seeking refuge in the structure there overnight.
"Once the manager was aware of the fire, she opened the door and allowed them to flee," Cox said.
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Chesney Overton said when she came to work at the gas station and saw the car wash burned up and ashes covering the ground, she had just hoped no one was inside when the fire happened.
"We've had trouble with keeping them out during this winter. Because there's a heater to stop the water from freezing," Overton said.
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And as temperatures continue to plummet, Cox hopes those unsheltered find a safer way to stay out of the cold.
"If the unsheltered are going to these warming centers where they can seek refuge and be warm, then they're not doing any kind of unsafe burning or something to try to keep themselves warm, keep themselves alive," Cox said.
The exact cause of this fire is under investigation.
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