CUMMING, Ga. — Cumming Square closed Sunday evening after a fire broke out at a well-known family pharmacy in the area, authorities said.
According to the Forsyth County Fire Department, firefighters were sent out to a reported commercial fire at 116 West Maple Street on the downtown square in Cumming just after 7 p.m.
This is the location of Goodson Drug Company at the corner of West Maple Street and Castleberry Road. Authorities said this is a well-known family pharmacy and local icon that has been in the business for decades. The company's website said Goodson has been open since 1959 but has been at that particular location since 1970.
Four counties sent assistance to FCFD, and the fire was brought under control within about an hour. No injuries have been reported.
Authorities said that no fire damage is believed to have extended into other businesses, although it is likely they may suffer water and smoke damage. Batallion Chief Scott Kennedy said Goodson's had a firewall that protected surrounding businesses.
He shared his own experience with the pharmacy.
"Basically getting some prescriptions filled — good family business. They've been here for a long time. They've really supported the community in a lot of different ways. So, hopefully, we'll be able to get them back on their feet," Kennedy said.
Forsyth County Fire will have units on the scene well into the night, performing salvage and overhaul operations. The agency said it is too early to tell the full extent of the building's damage but that an investigation is underway.
Prayers are going up for owner Jimmy Godson and his family via social media. They told 11Alive that the pharmacy is a staple in the community that they hope will rebuild.
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