Massive fire destroys one business, damages another in Shallotte

SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — Numerous firefighters responded to a fire at a shopping center in Shallotte early Monday morning.

According to the Mayor of Shallotte, in addition to the local fire and police departments, Horry County, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Shallotte Pointe, Civietown, Tri Beach, Winnabow, and Bolivia Fire Departments responded to the fire as well as county emergency services, fire inspector, the State Bureau of Investigation and NC State Highway Patrol.

A fire official on the scene told WWAY that the call came in shortly after 6 a.m. from a shopping plaza in 4800 block of Main Street.

The shopping center referred to as Vision Square is home to the optometry practice owned by Dr. Chris Moshoures and his wife, Karen, and Sugar Confections Bakery.

Karen Moshoures says it seems their practice is a total loss and the bakery sustained damage as well.

Mayor Walter Eccard says the town will work to support these local businesses.

“We have great sympathy for both these businesses, but we have confidence that they will rebuild and be better than ever,” Eccard said.

Sugar Confections Bakery may have the opportunity to open sooner than the optometry practice.

Originally told their business was a total loss, after the smoke cleared Owner Monique Holenko and her husband, Alex, found their business only needed electrical and ceiling repair.

“God is gracious and we keep moving forward and we just wait to see what he’s going to unfold for us next,” Holenko said. “It looks very positive actually. It may look like our building is completely separate. As I mentioned, we’re just going to wait for God’s leading but it looks like maybe that we may be able to be reopened.”

Calling the community the heartbeat of their business, she asks for support in the form of prayers and support for her neighbor Dr. Moshoures.

“​No matter what tragedy lands on your doorstep God is always gracious, something better always comes through, and you just walk forward in faith because he’s always good,” Holenko said.

Dr. Chris and Karen Moshoures were also on the scene but declined to go on camera as they are still processing their loss.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation and no injuries were reported.