Fire on Detroit's east side causes damage to hookah shop, tax service
(CBS DETROIT) - Owners of a hookah smoke shop and neighboring tax-preparing business were impacted by an early morning fire on Detroit's east side.
The damage cost to the hookah shop is estimated at $200,000 to $250,000, according to David Levalley, Chief of Staff at the Detroit Fire Department.
Premiere Tax Services was also damaged, the co-owner, Angel Williams, saying it was heartbreaking that the fire happened during tax season.
"It's a new season for us. We're just getting started two days in. I just felt sick to my stomach, honestly, Williams said.
It's not the way tax preparers plan to start their year, but for Williams, it's time to focus on her next move.
"It's definitely devastating, but it's just obviously a fresh start we have to start all over again," Premier Tax Services co-owner Bianca Davis said.
Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment. With their business entering its most important season, it's a rush to hurry and pick up the pieces.
"We've lost clients files. We have to contact the IRS and go through that whole process. We don't know how long that may be. It's just super devastating to have to start over in the middle of the season," Williams said.
The two owners tell CBS News Detroit investigators told them the fire may have been started due to electrical issues.
But with hard copies of documents gone and major equipment charred, the loss will take time to rebound from.
"As you know, tax season gets crazy a little stressful, but we were ready for it," the two agreed.
There's another location on Conners St. The operators will work out of that location until a new location is secured.