Crews respond to early morning fire at Panda Market in Buxton [Video]

A popular Buxton market known for its Chinese food and low gas prices is a total loss after an early morning fire.

Buxton Fire-Rescue responded to a call at Panda Market just before 1:20 a.m. Sunday. Crews found heavy fire from the middle section of the store, assistant fire chief Jeremy Redlon said. 

They were able to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire, Redlon said, but a partial roof collapse above the kitchen made it difficult to reach the back of the building. 

They brought in an excavator from public works to help get around the debris. 

Redlon said the owners, who live on the property, were woken by a passerby who saw the smoke and flames. No injuries were reported but the family lost two pets, a cat and a dog. 

The fire marshal’s office is investigating, but Redlon said the blaze is thought to be accidental, …