A beloved general store in St. Clair County was engulfed in flames early Sunday morning, resulting in its complete destruction.
Crews from the Iconium Fire Protection District were dispatched to Scott’s Iconium General Store in Iconium at approximately 2 a.m., as reported by the district.
Several fire departments, including Sac-Osage, Lowry City, Deepwater, Roscoe, Wheatland, Weaubleau, and Warsaw, came together to extinguish the fire with the help of their skilled personnel. After a couple of hours of relentless efforts, the fire was successfully put out by these dedicated firefighters. It is a relief to know that no one was injured during this incident, ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
According to the fire department, the flames were successfully prevented from reaching the gasoline tank. Additionally, the propane tanks on the porch were relocated to the porch of the Tuckers’ neighboring house.
According to Shannon Tucker, the owner, a fire broke out in the business due to an electrical problem in a utility closet. Tucker, who lives nearby, was the first to notice and report the fire, and promptly took action. Unfortunately, Tucker states that the building has been completely destroyed.
He stated that it would most likely be necessary to completely demolish it.
According to fire officials, there was a rekindling of some flames at around 11 a.m. on Sunday, leading the crews to return and extinguish them.
Tucker and his wife took ownership of the general store in 2012, acquiring it from the previous owners, Ginger and Wayne Scott.
According to the Iconium Fire Protection District, Wayne’s parents purchased the store in 1946. Shannon, a representative of the district, explains that the store’s original footprint dates back to 1896, but it underwent multiple additions over the years.
The general store, as stated on its website, has been in operation for over a century, with the building itself dating back to the late 1800s. Tucker mentioned that there is a long-standing tradition of generations of people frequenting the store.
The store has gained fame for its signature Peach Nehi float and has become a beloved destination for Boy Scout troops. Tuckers expresses his sentiment, saying, “As time goes on, the store will continue to evolve, and future generations may not experience it in the same way that their grandfathers did.”
