Charlotte firefighters battle early morning blaze at The Stock Yard

The Charlotte Fire Department arrived at The Stock Yard Barbecue and Brew just after 5 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5 to battle a fire that started in the food storage area, said Charlotte Fire Chief Kevin Fullerton. Charlotte firefighters, assisted by Benton Township, Windsor Township and Olivet fire departments, were able to contain the fire to the storage room. Though, Fullerton said, there is a lot of smoke and heat damage throughout the entire building.
Charlotte firefighters were still on scene late Thursday afternoon.
“Our guys had it pretty much knocked down by 8 a.m.,” Fullerton said. “There are going to be hotspots in the insulation throughout.”
Fullerton complimented the work of his firefighters and the assisting departments who were battling extreme temperatures.
Fullerton said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The State Fire Marshall will be assisting with the investigation, Fullerton said. He said it is standard procedure to get the State Police involved anytime there is a fire at a commercial property.
Owner Terry Ranshaw said he is determined to reopen the restaurant, though he knows it will take some time.
“It’ll be two to three months before we get going again,” Ranshaw said. “Believe me, I’m coming back.”
He said plans to open a second location in Eaton Rapids will also have to be put on hold .
“I’m determined to move forward, but this is not an easy task,” Ranshaw said.