Investigation ongoing for Sandpoint 4th of July business fire

SANDPOINT, Idaho. — An investigation is underway following a fire on July 4th that destroyed the Army Surplus 1 store on 5th avenue and Oak street in Downtown.

"It was where I spent most of my life for the last while. I've worked in this surplus business for 43 years, and now it's just gone," said Cornel Rasor, the owner of Army Surplus 1.

Rasor and his wife have worked out of the building that was destroyed for decades.

"My son called and he said it was like it's part of the family. It just felt good to go home," said Rasor after the fire.

According to the Bonner County Sheriff's Office, the fire started at around 10:30 p.m., shortly after the Independence Day firework display in Sandpoint.

Rasor said, a police officer he knew had called him at 10:19 p.m., informing him of a small fire at his store in the alleyway. That officer mentioned that it was mostly out but advised him to still come to the store.

Minutes later the fire engulfed the building.

According to Rasor, an estimated $500,000 of merchandise was lost in the fire. Plus, various personal items, including belongings of Rasor's recently deceased father-in-law.

The Sandpoint Fire Department said, the cause will remain under investigation until next week.

The building that housed Army Surplus 1 was not insured.

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