Photo Credit: Deming Police Department
DEMING – A fire at the Dollar General located at 614 East Walnut Street on Tuesday caused significant damage to the store and part of the surrounding structure. Authorities say the fire appears to have started in the receiving room, where merchandise is delivered and temporarily stored before being stocked on the sales floor.
At the time of the fire, only two Deming Police officers and a female store clerk were inside the building. The clerk reported that approximately 15 minutes prior to the fire, the store experienced a power failure.
Deming Police Captain Jose Montoya told Deming Radio News that while the Fire Marshal’s investigation remains ongoing, the fire is believed to have been electrical in nature. There are no indications of foul play. Montoya described the damage as “quite severe,” largely due to extensive smoke exposure throughout the building.
The Dollar General at 614 East Walnut Street is one of four locations serving Luna County.