Fire forces store evacuation

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) — A manager said employees’ quick response to a fire at Dickinson’s JC Penney store helped avert major damage.

No injuries were reported in the Friday fire. Employees said it may have started in a men’s clothing rack. The store was evacuated, and it remained closed Saturday.

Workers used fire extinguishers to try to douse the flames before the fire department arrived.

Penney’s manager Doug Erickson told the Dickinson Press he was pleased about his workers’ response to the fire, and he was happy no one was hurt. He called the store workers “the best team ever.”

Employee Cora Tormaschy said the store was filled with smoke two minutes after she first heard someone say there was a fire.

The store is located in Dickinson’s Prairie Hills Mall.

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