Massive Early Morning Fire Destroys Shamrock Liquor Warehouse in Fort Smith, Arkansas; Longtime Owner Calls Beloved Local Business a “Total Loss” as Community Rallies in Support

FORT SMITH, Ark. (April 16, 2025) — A devastating fire broke out early Wednesday morning at one of Fort Smith’s most recognizable businesses, Shamrock Liquor Warehouse, leaving behind a charred and hollowed shell of what had long been a staple in the community. The blaze, which erupted around 5 a.m., prompted an emergency response that temporarily shut down surrounding roads and has since left the building in ruins.

The fire was reported at approximately 5:00 a.m. on April 16, and within minutes, multiple fire crews were dispatched to the scene. Witnesses described seeing heavy smoke and bright flames pouring from the drive-thru side of the business, located on Rogers Avenue. The fire quickly spread throughout the structure, with firefighters later confirming that the most significant damage occurred inside the main store area.

Although emergency crews managed to extinguish the blaze within 15 minutes of their arrival, the damage had already been done.

“It’s a total loss,” said the store’s longtime owner, visibly emotional as he stood outside the wreckage. “I’ve poured my life into this place for decades, and now it’s gone. Just like that.”

The Shamrock Liquor Warehouse has served Fort Smith residents for more than 30 years, providing not only beverages but a gathering place for locals and a small piece of history in the area. Known for its distinctive green-and-white exterior and its loyal customer base, the loss has shaken members of the community, many of whom have expressed their sadness on social media throughout the day.

Fort Smith Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeremy Hall confirmed that there were no injuries reported in connection to the incident. At the time of the fire, the store was closed, and no one was inside. However, the blaze led to extensive traffic delays in the area for over three hours, as emergency crews worked to contain the situation and investigate the scene.

Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire. Fire investigators were seen combing through the charred remnants of the building on Wednesday morning, searching for any clues as to how the blaze may have started. While no official statement has been made regarding potential foul play, investigators have not ruled anything out.

“We’re taking our time to carefully investigate,” said Fire Marshal Angela Rodriguez. “Right now, we’re working to determine if this was accidental or if there are signs of a possible electrical issue or arson. We’ll release more details once we have conclusive information.”

The fire comes at a particularly difficult time, as many local businesses in Fort Smith continue to recover from recent economic challenges. The owner of Shamrock Liquor had recently made minor renovations to the interior of the store and was reportedly planning to expand the business to include a small community tasting lounge. Those plans, like the building itself, are now up in smoke.

In the aftermath of the fire, community members have already begun rallying to show their support. A local GoFundMe campaign was launched just hours after news of the fire broke, with funds intended to assist the store owner and employees affected by the loss.

“This store has been part of our neighborhood forever,” said one longtime customer. “I can’t imagine Rogers Avenue without Shamrock. We want to help however we can.”

City officials also offered statements of support, emphasizing the resilience of Fort Smith and encouraging residents to aid in the rebuilding efforts when the time comes.

As the sun rose higher over the smoldering remains of Shamrock Liquor Warehouse, the mood was one of grief, resilience, and reflection. For many, it was not just the loss of a store, but the loss of a piece of local identity — a fixture that stood through generations of change, now reduced to ashes in less than half an hour.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the community waits anxiously for answers. For now, Fort Smith mourns the loss of an institution while embracing the hope of rebuilding what was lost.