The Marathon gas station on U.S. Highway 74 in Polkton is still standing but on March 18, a fire destroyed much of the interior of the building.

Polkton and Peachland fire departments responded to the 12:30 a.m. blaze, and although the outside of the building had only smoke damage, the inside was a total loss, manager Nick Saad said.

Saad, who also manages the gas station next door, was saddened that he had to lay off several employees who worked at the store, but said he will rebuild and reopen.

Since the gas station usually closes at 9 p.m., no one was in the store at the time of the fire, but Saad said officials have determined that it was an electrical fire, which probably started in the ceiling.

Insurance adjustors have proclaimed the building a total loss but Saad said he wouldn't know a dollar figure for several more weeks. "It was the whole thing— all the vents, equipment, everything was destroyed."

Saad said he hopes to have the gas station rebuilt in about four to five months.

"It's unfortunate, I hate it, but what can you do?" he said. "We will rebuild and hopefully be back in four or five months."