LORIS, S.C. (WPDE) - An early morning fire destroyed a business in downtown Loris Sunday.
Loris fire responded to Carolina Furniture Company around 8:45 a.m.
The back of the building, which is a warehouse, was completely engulfed in flames when crews arrived.
Crews were still working on putting out hotspots at 1 p.m.
The owner of the business, David Cox, said the building was built in 1946. Cox bought the business 18 years ago.
"My son's letter jacket, my letter jacket, my daughters wedding dress all of that was in there. So it's not just like a building that burned, that was like part of my life. That's gone. It's just gone," said Cox.
Carolina Furniture Company sold used furniture and different odds and ends.
Horry County Council Member Paul Prince fought the flames with the Loris Fire Department, he told WPDE NewsChannel 15 it's a sad day for Loris as they've lost a piece of history.
"It was just shocking and hurting to have to get up and come to this fire this morning to help put it out," said Prince.
Loris fire Chief Jerry Hardee said the building is a total loss. Crews from Tabor City, North Carolina and Horry County Fire Rescue provided mutual aid.
They have no plans of rebuilding as of yet, "I plan on praying, that's all I can do right now, just pray," said Cox.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
