A fire that began at an auto parts store destroys a strip mall

A fire that began at an auto parts store has destroyed a Columbia strip mall and caused an estimated $6.5 million in damage to stores and their inventory. The Columbia Daily Tribune reported Sunday evening that no injuries have been attributed to the blaze. The fire was called in around 4:45 a.m. Sunday and was not under control until Sunday afternoon. The Columbia Missourian reports that more than 30 firefighters worked to put out the flames. Firefighters also had to close parts of the city’s Business Loop for most of the day.