GILMER, Texas — The Gilmer Starplex skating rink will be closed for a significant amount of time after a fire damaged the business' building Monday night.
An official with the Gilmer Fire Department confirmed firefighters are on the scene responding to the fire at the skating rink, located at 1152 S Wood St. in Gilmer. The fire started just before 7 p.m. and no injuries have been reported, the fire department said.
In a Facebook post, the Gilmer Starplex said the business will be closed for an "extended period of time" because of the damages. Those who have a booking with the skating rink can contact the business at (903) 680-7588 or message its Facebook page.
Gilmer Fire and Rescue said in a statement on Facebook that it was sad day Monday as crews responded to the fire at the skating rink.
"The history this place holds is so big in our community," the post read. "One of our firefighters was headed to a major vehicle accident when he spotted flames coming from the north side of the building."
The statement added that the firefighters "pushed themselves hard and overcame the obstacles this fire presented."
"We want to thank the county volunteer fire departments who were quick to respond and put in so much hard work," Gilmer Fire said.
Business owner John Allen, who also owns the REO Starplex and Event Center in Longview, said Monday night he will be walking through the building with the Upshur County Fire Marshal's Office Tuesday morning.
Allen said he and the staff at the Gilmer skating rink definitely plan on coming back strong.
"It's going to be a day to day thing. A lot of hard work in the very near future," Allen said.
The Gilmer Starplex was built in 1964 and renovated in 2017, Allen said.
He added that he's optimistic about the future of the skating rink. He'll also be developing a timeline for rebuilding.
Staff at the Gilmer Starplex will be reaching out to people with a booking or reservation to offer an option to move their party to the REO Starplex or to discuss other options, the post read.
"Thank you for you patience and understanding during this difficult time," the Facebook post. "We will keep everyone informed with the status of the skating rink."
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
