MORGANFIELD, KY (WFIE) -
After last night's fire, there's not much left of the Uncle Mark's Popcorn plant in Morganfield, Kentucky.
The raging fire burned for hours and the glow from the fire in Union County could be seen across the river in Posey County.
Authorities believe the fire was caused by a group of four children. The owner tells us the future of the family owned business is unclear.
Smoke is still coming from this building, it has been all day.
A lot of debris and pieces to pick up, like these popcorn tins, but not just physical pieces, emotional pieces, too.
Residents say they're saddened by the loss of an old time tradition.
"When I was little, I remember him coming around and giving everybody popcorn," said Morganfield resident Charlie Duncan.
Morganfield residents like Duncan have fond memories of Uncle Mark's Popcorn Factory, the business that sold a favorite holiday treat.
Samantha Taylor lives across the street. She tells us she was shocked when the fire broke out Wednesday night.
"It was pretty scary," Taylor said. "I'd rather have a warped home than no home."
Taylor says heat warped the siding and cracked a window on her home, and that heat could still be felt Thursday afternoon as firefighters worked to put out more flames.
Other residents say they watched from down the street, capturing cell phone videos, praying the fire wouldn't spread to the neighborhood.
"I see this whole thing engulf. It happened in like five minutes, literally the whole thing was in flames," said resident Kara Messmore.
Uncle Mark's Popcorn Factory may be lost for now, but not lost, the memories a local icon leaves behind.
"I hope he just continues his business somewhere. Even if it's not here and he keeps the popcorn going, that's good because I loved the popcorn," Taylor said.
Fire officials tell us they're hoping the rain will help cut down the smoldering. They say they'll be back out here every couple hours this evening, just to keep an eye on the tail end of this fire.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
Source: Lee Baird of Sturgis, KY
