Fire Claims Former B & R Building Supply/Gunter Bros. Building In Hope

A retail landmark just east of downtown Hope is an apparent total loss after a fire early Monday evening.   The former B & R Building Supply/Gunter Bros. building at 422 East Avenue A was discovered to be on fire around 7pm Monday.  Onlookers reported seeing the smoke from miles away as a dark black plume initially came from the fire.  The building had housed a building supply/hardware store from at least the 1950’s until just a few years ago when B & R consolidated their business to their store at 2215 South Main.  In addition to a full contingent of Hope Fire Department trucks, volunteer fire departments from around the area also responded.  Firemen were working to save structures surrounding building.