A fierce blaze on Monday night gutted First Texas Auto Sales and Repair in Arlington, Texas, leaving the auto body shop in ruins and halting nearby rail service. The fire erupted in the early hours, setting the building on fire and causing extensive damage to the structure and its surroundings.
Fire Breaks Out at Auto Body Shop
Fire crews were dispatched to the 900 block of West Division Street just after 10:30 p.m. on Monday, arriving to find the shop already engulfed in flames. The flames had already spread to multiple car repair bays, consuming the interior and the exterior of the building. The fire quickly spread to three alarms, prompting a large-scale response from the Arlington Fire Department. The alarm system, designed to alert nearby residents and businesses, was triggered multiple times as the blaze intensified.
Impact on Rail Service and Power
In addition to the shop itself, the flames reached a nearby power pole, disrupting electricity service for surrounding businesses. The loss of power added to the chaos, making it difficult for emergency crews to manage the situation. Rail service in Arlington was temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. The suspension affected commuters and freight operations, with officials noting that the fire’s proximity to the rail lines posed a safety risk.
Owner and Employees Respond
Muhammad Aqeel, the owner of First Texas Auto Sales and Repair, received a call from one of his employees late Monday that the business was burning. He was immediately notified of the emergency and spent much of Tuesday surveying the extensive damage with his brother, Ansar Lakhani. The two men, along with ten full-time employees, assessed the situation. Aqeel expressed a determination to rebuild the shop. He also emphasized that employees are the most important part of the business.
Ansar Lakhani echoed his brother’s sentiment, noting that the shop’s closure meant the workers could not perform any jobs there. He said, “Because of this fire, we cannot do any job here and we have to find some alternative as soon as possible.” The closure has left employees uncertain about their future employment. The shop’s shutdown during the holiday season poses a significant challenge for those who depend on the business for income. The owners are exploring options for temporary workspaces.
Rebuilding and Future
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to the Arlington Fire Department. Officials have not yet determined whether the blaze was accidental or intentional. Fire crews worked through the night to contain the blaze and protect adjacent properties. Their efforts prevented further spread to neighboring structures. The Arlington Fire Department continues to monitor the site for any remaining hotspots and is coordinating with local authorities to restore normalcy to the affected area.
The owners have expressed a commitment to rebuild the shop, but the timeline for reconstruction remains unclear. They are currently assessing the extent of the damage and exploring options for temporary workspaces. Employees of First Texas Auto Sales and Repair are uncertain about their future employment. The shop’s closure during the holiday season poses a significant challenge for those who depend on the business for income. Local residents have shown support for the business, offering assistance and encouraging the owners to stay optimistic. Community members are also monitoring the situation closely.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to unforeseen disasters. It also underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and quick response from local fire departments. Arlington officials have assured residents that rail service will resume once the safety concerns are resolved. The temporary suspension is expected to last only until the power and rail lines are deemed safe. The fire’s aftermath continues to unfold as investigators piece together the events that led to the blaze. The community watches closely as the owners plan their next steps.
First Texas Auto Sales and Repair remains a symbol of resilience in Arlington, as its owners and employees face the challenge of rebuilding and moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- The fire gutted First Texas Auto Sales and Repair and halted rail service in Arlington.
- The blaze spread to a power pole, cutting electricity for nearby businesses.
- Owner Muhammad Aqeel and brother Ansar Lakhani are committed to rebuilding, but employees face uncertainty.
Closing
The Arlington Fire Department remains on site, monitoring for hotspots and coordinating with authorities. Residents are advised to stay informed as rail service resumes and the shop’s future unfolds. The community’s support and the owners’ determination underscore the resilience of Arlington’s small-business community.
