An entire city block of Metter, Georgia's historic downtown business district was engulfed in flames late Saturday afternoon, October 5, 2024. The fire began around 5:30 PM.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time. Aly, owner of Aly’s Restaurante, was staffed at the time. She notified employees of Sabor Michoacano after smelling smoke and contacted firefighters. The businesses were evacuated. Shortly after, the buildings were on fire.
Flames erupted from the back of the businesses, which included Railey’s Salon, Sabor Michoacano, Aly’s Restaurante and The Flower Basket. Smoke also poured from the top floor vents of Queensborough Bank. About two hours after the fire began, the backs of the smaller buildings collapsed. No injuries were reported
At 5:42 pm, Metter Fire Department requested mutual aid from neighboring counties and Statesboro Fire Department, Bulloch County Fire Department, Bellville Fire Department and Claxton Fire Department also came to offer mutual aid.
Metter Police Department and Candler County Sheriff’s Office guided bystanders across the street and away from the block as the City’s ladder truck applied water to the top of the buildings. Smoke poured from the tops and sides of the buildings as units worked to contain the flame. About an hour later, an explosion was heard. While the cause of the explosion has not been verified, it is believed to have been a propane tank located behind the restaurants.
Shortly after 8 p.m., the flames seemed to be contained.
DeWayne Grice from Grice Connect responded and assisted with live coverage. The video was shared on Grice Connect and Metter Advertiser’s Facebook page. During the nearly hour long broadcast prayers of concern flooded in from all over the country.
This is a developing story. Grice Connect will continue to carry coverage from the Metter Advertiser as new information comes available. At this time the cause of the fire is unknown and there were no reported injuries from the fire.
The Grice Connect team joins all of you in keeping our friends and neighbors in Metter, GA in our prayers.
Watch Grice Connect/Metter Advertiser live stream below: