A commercial shop in Freedom belonging to Avail Valley Construction is a complete loss, along with everything inside, after catching fire over the weekend.

Chief Tedd Jenkins with the Thayne Volunteer Fire Department said they were dispatched to the building at roughly 12:15 a.m. Sunday morning. Jenkins said the building, located near the Freedom Gravel Pit, was fully engulfed in flames by the time fire fighters arrived, stating that it had likely been burning for some time before the call came in.

The steel shop included living quarters, campers and trucks inside. According to Chief Jenkins one person was in the building and had to break a window to escape. The person then called 911 from a nearby residence. He was later transported for medical treatment of minor burns, cuts and smoke inhalation.

Chief Jenkins stated that the Thayne Fire Department was short one tanker truck due it currently being under repair, so firefighters had to shuttle water from the Freedom water system. The Alpine Fire Department was called in to assist, bringing an additional tanker that allowed firefighters to eventually gain control of the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, however Chief Jenkins stated that it appears to be electrical in nature.