An early-morning fire tore through a pair of neighboring businesses on Rockbridge Road in DeKalb County on Wednesday, collapsing part of the roof and sending a thick column of smoke over the surrounding neighborhood. Flames ripped through Beyo Auto Repair & Tire Shop and an adjacent grocery, and debris from the partial roof collapse came down on a firefighter, who was treated at the scene. Multiple fire crews battled the blaze, then stuck around to knock out stubborn hotspots. Officials have not yet released a cause.
According to WSB‑TV, the two businesses share the same small strip of storefronts on Rockbridge Road, and DeKalb County Fire Rescue sent several engines to the scene. Part of the roof caved in while crews were working, and although firefighters described the blaze as largely under control, a heavy amount of smoke continued to smolder over the area.
Where It Happened
Public property and permit records for the site point to a mixed retail and auto-use parcel at 4429 Rockbridge Road, where past permits list Beyo Auto and a grocery operation. As noted in Realtor.com listings and permit history, the small strip has long hosted a combination of convenience or grocery tenants alongside auto-repair businesses.
Fire Response And Damage
Live video from WSB‑TV showed firefighters dragging hose lines into position and maneuvering trucks as thick smoke poured from the roofline. During the partial collapse, falling debris struck a firefighter, who was evaluated and treated by a medic on scene. Initial reports listed no other injuries, and crews stayed in place to soak hotspots and protect neighboring businesses from further damage.
Investigations And Community Impact
Officials have not yet said what started the fire; investigators will determine the origin and cause through follow-up work. For the business owners and nearby residents, a blaze that triggers a roof collapse usually means a long recovery, with weeks of cleanup, insurance claims and rebuilding ahead before day-to-day operations can return to anything close to normal.
