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Fire destroys Portsmouth auto center

A fire burned through the roof of a NAPA AutoCare Center in Portsmouth on Tuesday morning.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) — A fire broke out at a car repair business in Portsmouth on Tuesday morning.

The fire happened shortly before 8 a.m. at the NAPA AutoCare Center located on Airline Boulevard, near Arlington Place. Heavy smoke and flames could be seen rising from the building.

More than 30 firefighters arrived on scene to battle the two-alarm fire. Officials said no one was inside the building when the fire department arrived, and no one was hurt.

Fire officials can’t quote how much damage was done but said almost all of the roof to the building had burnt down, and the overall damage is extensive.

#13NewsNow #Portsmouth fire department is trying to stop the flames, as bits of the building fall onto a parked van. pic.twitter.com/1h8JPzxk87

— Megan Shinn 13News Now (@13MeganShinn) August 14, 2018

Portsmouth Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Nestor Mangubat said, "We're here to protect life and property," but they were concerned after being told there were barrels of oil inside the auto repair shop.

"It’s very dangerous. As long as we’re on scene quick enough to get control of the scene of the fire, we can maintain it from here," said Mangubat.

The fire is now contained.

PHOTOS: Fire at NAPA AutoCare Center in Portsmouth

The store manager of Big Al’s Mufflers and Brakes, David Sills, said he called the fire department when he saw the smoke. "Flames started shooting out of the back of the building," said Sills.

Big Al’s is located next door to the NAPA. Even though the firefighters said Big Al’s was not damaged by the fire, Sills said it was concerning. "Oh yeah, the fire got pretty close, and we’ve got customers' cars in there."

Further down the block, Ronnie Ketchum said his business has been here for 50 years, and he met the owner of NAPA. Ketchum said their business has only been open for a couple of months.

"It’s a shame, because the guy who owns the place, he’s a good guy," said Ketchum.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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