Illegal Fireworks Likely Caused Destruction Of Popular Deli

A fire that authorities suspect was ignited by errant fireworks destroyed a deli in south St. Louis early Thursday. The fire, reported before 1 a.m., was at the Macklind Avenue Deli, 4721 Macklind Avenue, in the city’s Southampton neighborhood. The cause is under investigation. Heavy fire was coming from the roof of the one-story brick commercial building when firefighters arrived. Capt. Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department, in his updates on social media, said the two-alarm fire grew rapidly. Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said errant fireworks are the likely cause. Residents said there were large fireworks going off before the fire was reported, he said.