Massive fire destroys family business Handy Ace Hardware store in Tucker

Fire destroyed a beloved hardware store in Tucker on Friday night as workers and witnesses watched in disbelief.  The blaze started at the Handy Ace Hardware store on Cowan Road around 7 p.m., just an hour after workers had closed up for the night.

Firefighters battled the blaze from the outside for several hours before it was knocked down, and they say the building collapsed in on itself as a result.  Crews were challenged not only by the size of the two-story building, but also by what was inside-- including gasoline, paint and guns.

A broken fire hydrant also hindered initial efforts to fight the flames.  Fire crews said the store had 720 gallons of kerosene, 550 gallons of propane, saline, and oxygen tanks inside, all of which posed hazards.

No injuries were reported, and there's no word yet on what started the fire.  Witnesses said they heard explosions coming from inside the building, which used to be a bowling alley at one time.

Firefighters planned to remain at the scene oveight to fight hot spots as needed.