DE QUEEN, Ark. - The state fire marshal is investigating a large fire at a family-owned car dealership in southwest Arkansas.

It happened about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday off Highway 70, east of De Queen.

Authorities say someone passing by the Gentry Chevrolet dealership called 911. It took fire crews about two hours to get the blaze under control.

“The North wall was completely involved in active flames. It was venting out the east and west side of this building,” said Chief Michael Pruitt, De Queen Fire Department.

Pruitt says about 40 firefighters battled the blaze. When they arrived, heavy flames could be seen coming from of the back of the building.

“We had three departments come to help us, and we pretty well knocked this end out. There's a firewall between the two buildings, and the o

See Full Page