LOUISVILLE, Tenn. — The Blount County Sheriff’s Office and Blount County Fire Department were on the scene of a fire at Green Acres Flea Market on Saturday.
Vendors from the flea market woke up to their businesses in ashes.
"It's very heartbreaking because, you know, my parents worked really hard for everything," said Guadalupe Garduno Garcia, a business owner. "We had a bunch of little like hair accessories, hair ties, baby clothes, toys, hats."
Community members could see the smoke from as far as Alcoa Highway. Residents that lived in the apartments on the backside of the flea market could not enter or leave since the joining roads, Hillside Drive and Lakemont Drive, were closed by Blount County officials.
Flames stole hard work overnight. The Green Acres Flea Market hosted more than 100 vendors and for many years, it was like a second home to the community.
"I'm more sad because of my mom because she's been here for many tears," said Maybeline Cabrera, a business owner.
The smell of smoke was still in the air as firefighters continues to put out the fire that was left over on Sunday. One of the Green Acres Flea Market owners responded to the situation.
"This is devastating, for not only my family but for our vendors and customers that are so loyal," said Brett Mandel, business secretary of treasurer. "It's like a family out here."
Not every vendor had their business inside Green Acres, some vendors paid a fee to sell their merchandise outside.
"I do this for my children," Noel Djenini said. "If I want to base my pay, my rent on my income that I got, my job, I will not be able to do it, so I got to do it."
As for what's next, some are left questioning where to go from here. But the biggest fear for some is losing everything they built.