Austintown Big Lots fire under investigation

AUSTINTOWN — A fire at Big Lots, 4341 Kirk Road, that broke out just before 5 p.m. Tuesday is under investigation by the fire department. Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Frost III said based on surveillance tapes from the store, two men lit towels on fire in the towel department. The fire spread to more towels and filled the building with smoke. An employee attempted to use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames but was not able to completely stop, them so the fire department was called. The fire caused $25,000 in damage but no injuries. The store was closed late Tuesday and on Wednesday as smoke-damaged goods were removed and a restoration company was called in to address the smoke odor.