CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) — A popular gift shop and market store in Jarvisburg was destroyed by a massive fire Saturday afternoon.
The Cotton Gin, located in the 6000 block of Caratoke Highway, caught on fire around 1:40 p.m., according to the Deputy Chief Hayden Poulin with the Lower Currituck Volunteer Fire Department.
Video from Facebook user Alex Butler shows wild flames and clouds of smoke engulfing the store as firefighters worked to put it out.
Poulin says the bulk of the fire was knocked down by 8 p.m., but units were still on the scene.
A portion of Caratoke Highway is closed as crews continue to work and motorists are being detoured to Grandy Road.
Officials say there were no injuries reported from the fire as of 8 p.m. The cause is under investigation.
The store is described as having a market-style layout with clothing, accessories, decor and a cafe. It has been a “vacation landmark” for families visiting the Outer Banks for more than 85 years, according to their website.
There are three other Cotton Gin store locations along the Outer Banks: one in Corolla, one in Duck and one in Nags Head.
According to Cotton Gin’s website, the Jarvisburg location is the original shop that started off as general store in the 1960s.
Stay with WAVY.com for updates.
