𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡𝗡𝗬'𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗡 𝗚𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗨𝗣 𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦

 

A large fire early Tuesday morning destroyed Johnny’s True Value, a hardware store in Harlingen known for its wide selection of hunting ammunition.

Harlingen Fire Chief Rafael Balderas confirmed that the building is a total loss. The fire was reported around 5:11 a.m., with smoke seen coming from the store. Approximately 30 firefighters from Harlingen and Brownsville responded to the scene.

“As of now, we are taking a defensive approach,” said Chief Balderas. “We’re using three aerial water devices to put out what’s left of the fire.”

Eyewitnesses said they could hear ammunition popping in the flames as the fire tore through the store.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and no one was inside the building at the time, according to Harlingen Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Loftus.

Barricades have been set up, and sections of Harrison and Tyler Avenues have been closed. Power to the surrounding area has also been shut off, according to AEP’s outage map. Fire officials are urging the public to avoid the area.

South Texas Arson Investigators are heading to the site to begin their investigation. The State Fire Marshal, who is currently in the area on other business, is also expected to stop by and assess the damage.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.