Fire damages Airport Blvd. business

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Scary moments for a Mobile business owner when his shop goes up in flames. The two alarm fire broke out on Airport Boulevard near Cody Road just after 8 a.m. Friday.

Smoke billowed from Rhino Linings as part of the building melted from the flames. Owner Keith Miller called 911 after being caught in the inferno.

He said, "It was really scary, it happened real quickly. There were some popping noises in the ceiling. Within 30 seconds, half the building was on fire. Fireballs started dropping from the ceiling, and that's when I evacuated the building as quick as possible."

Dozens of firefighters responded and battled the blaze from all angles. Officials were concerned about the fire spreading or a potential hazmat situation.

Captain Shaun Hicks with Mobile Fire-Rescue said, "The owner immediately presented the first arriving company on the scene with the MSDS sheet for the materials that were stored in the mechanical room. That mechanical room wasn't hampered by fire whatsoever. There were no chemicals of any type involved."

Fortunately, the fire was contained.

While firefighters hauled out the charred contents, Miller thought of his livelihood.

He added, “It's going to be a big life change losing my business like this. I don't have insurance. I don't know if I'll be able to restart, for sure. I just have to rely on God and see where we go. Hopefully, God willing, we'll be coming back after this is over with."

For the last 15 years, Miller's shop has been a staple in the area. Tough times are ahead, but he is staying positive and thankful he escaped such a devastating fire unharmed.

The fire is still under investigation. Authorities have not release a cause or origin of the blaze. The business provides truck bed liners.