A fire yesterday at the Dollar Tree in the 2400 block of South York Road brought a busy stretch of U.S. 321 in Gastonia to a halt, as emergency crews shut down part of the roadway to battle the commercial blaze. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, and officials said no injuries were reported while the cause of the fire stays under investigation.
Police traffic alert
In a Sunday post, the Gastonia Police Department warned drivers to steer clear of the area while emergency personnel responded to the Dollar Tree fire on the 2400 block of South York Road. According to the department, South York Road (U.S. 321) "will be shut down for the next few hours" and motorists should use alternate routes. The post went out under the headline: "Traffic alert / Commercial fire; please avoid part of 321."
Where it happened
Business listings identify the affected Dollar Tree as the store at 2406 S. York Road, which sits in the 2400 block referenced by police. Per WIC Store Locator and local directories, a Dollar Tree location is listed at that address along the U.S. 321 corridor, a placement that could play into how traffic is rerouted while crews remain on scene.
Traffic and transit impact
South York Road serves as a major local thoroughfare, and the closure is expected to snarl traffic at nearby intersections during peak drive times. The City of Gastonia transit map shows bus routes that rely on South York, so riders should be ready for detours or delays while emergency operations continue. Officials are urging drivers to follow directions from on-scene crews and to check local traffic reports for alternate options.
Investigation underway
According to the Gastonia Fire Department, origin-and-cause investigations are handled by the Fire Marshal’s Office and assigned personnel, who often coordinate with police on commercial incidents. Authorities have not released further details on how the Dollar Tree fire started and say additional information will be shared as the investigation moves forward. Residents and motorists in the South York Road area have been asked to avoid the corridor while crews continue their work.
