4-Alarm Fire at McMahan’s Now Under Control

Two firefighters were injured battling the raging inferno.

Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - A 4-alarm fire that raged, and destroyed McMahan’s Furniture and Appliances at the corner of Commercial and State streets most of the morning in downtown Salem in now under control.

Firefighters are continuing to pour water on the building to prevent any hot spots from flaring back to life.

The fire apparently began in the basement, according to a preliminary report from fire investigators.

Two McMahan’s employees were in the building at the time of the fire and were safely evacuated.

Salem Police said they had to move back the hoards of spectators who had gathered along the sidewalks to watch the fire.

Police say traffic will continue to be very congested in the downtown area.

Commercial Street is blocked between Ferry and Court streets, and State Street is blocked between Front and Liberty streets.

McMahan’s, in Salem since the early 80’s, was scheduled to go out of business this year.

Fire officials say the building is considered a total loss.

However, it will take investigators several days to determine the exact cause of the fire.