Fire's cause under investigation

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a furniture store and damaged a hair salon today.

Carson City Fire Battalion Chief Dan Shirey said when fire crews arrived to the building at the corner of Idaho Street and Fairview Drive just before noon, flames were seen in the southeast corner of the building.

High winds sent the flames throughout the attic space of the 6,200-square-foot complex which houses Mattress King on the north end and High Desert Hair Salon on the south, according to Shirey.

"When we got here the flames were primarily to the southeast side of the building. The wind was quite extensive which caused the fire to run in a northerly position. he said. "The winds caused the spread to accelerate which complicated the issue."

Salon Owner Linda Beaty said she was in the shop alone when she smelled smoke.

"Then looked up and I saw it billowing and I jammed out of there as fast as I could," said Beaty. "As soon as I left there were flames shooting in."

Beaty and three other stylists in the salon, newly opened in December, have lined up other shops to work in until they figure out a permanent plan.

"We're just going to grab some stuff so we can work, and go from there," she said.

While the salon's back wall sustained the most damage the property inside was unharmed.

"Except for the roof, where its sagging," said Shirey, "The interior is pretty much untouched."

Mattress King was not as fortunate.

Shirey said all of the merchandise to the rear or his store was burned. He said fire crews were able to stop the flames from spreading to the front half of the store.