ROCK FALLS, Ill. — On Jan. 16, firefighters responded to a call about a fire at Moore Tires. After an 11-hour battle, the fire was put out. Kayla Heiar, a second-generation owner of the business, says it was difficult to see their 33 years of hard work go up in flames.
"There was nothing that we could do in the moment," Heiar said. "We tried to see the positives after the flames died down. We knew we needed to turn the chapter quickly."
Heiar's brother, Kyle Moore, who is also a second-generation owner, says the building was their home for many years and was filled with memories.
"I don't think we've actually had time to really digest what's happened yet," Moore said. "Sitting back and seeing what we lost, it's devastating for many of us."
Looking to rise from the ashes, the two hit the ground running. The next day after the fire, they secured 22 acres of land and an existing building that sat empty for 13 years.
"We will rebuild, we will be back," Moore said.
Heiar added the support from the community has motivated the business to open up as quickly as they can.
"We're really proud of the community we're from," Heiar said. "We know we have a lot of work ahead of us but we are excited for what's to come."
Moore Tires hopes to reopen its Rock Falls location within a month. The staff that worked in the Rock Falls location prior to the fire are currently working at other locations.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.