Published: Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 / Updated: Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 03:16 PM

Chester fire caused by wood-burning stove

The fire that destroyed two Chester businesses last week was caused by a wood-burning stove, fire officials say.

Chester Fire Department Chief Paul Caldwell said they believe a wood-burning stove used for heat at Davis’ Body shop caused the fire that destroyed the body shop and neighboring Club 321.

Both were located in a strip mall at the corner of S.C. 72 bypass and Columbia Street in Chester.

“We believe the vent pipe started the roof or trusses on fire,” Caldwell said Monday.

The cause was determined by area of origin for the fire, he said.

No one was reported injured in the Thursday afternoon fire. Firefighters were able to vastly save the ABC Package and convenience stores also in the plaza.

The fire broke out in the body shop around 12 p.m. Thursday and spread to the club next door.

The fire department was worried about the blaze spreading between the businesses because of the shared attic, Caldwell said. Trenches were used to stop the blaze.