Blaze at Big Daddy's causes heavy damage

Sept. 19– The interior of Crump nightspot Big Daddy’s was heavily damaged in a blaze discovered when the owner arrived at the business this morning, Hardin County fire chief Melvin Martin said.

He said proprietor Barry Webb reported the fire at 8:38 a.m.. Firefighters from Crump (Dist. 2), Hookers Bend (Dist. 15) and county Engine 12 from Savannah were dispatched, with the first unit on the scene in three minutes.

"There was smoke and heat in the building, but the fire was mostly out," Martin said. "There was water running out the front door."

According to the chief, the fire started in an area occupied by sound equipment. A PVC water pipe secured to a wall melted from the heat and "effectively put it out."

The fire is believed to have started sometime during the night, when smoke coming out the eaves would not have been noticed. A couple of inches of water covered the floor.

"The building is intact," he said, but "it’s going to have to be gutted."

The property is insured and damage is estimated at $75,000 to $100,000, Martin said.