Electrical malfunction is likely cause of fire

SOUTHINGTON -- An electrical malfunction in a beverage cooler is the likely cause of a fire Sunday morning at Hurd's Li'l Market, according to Fire Chief Tom Strock.
The blaze, which erupted in the convenience store at 4378 state Route 534, caused about $120,000 worth of damage, the chief said.
The store, owned by Debbi Hurd Biery and Bob Biery Jr., has been in business since 1865 and owned by the same family since.
The owners' son, Jake Biery, and his girlfriend, Mary Jane Harris, were awakened by the barking of their dog in their second-floor apartment over the store and got out safely. There were no injuries.
The chief said Debbi Hurd Biery told him she wanted to reopen the store at that location.