Update: Records Survive Sonora Wool Blaze

The fire that destroyed the original Sonora Wool and Mohair Company building Dec. 14 was the result of an electrical defect above the dropdown ceiling in the retail store located in the front of the building, according to inspectors from the state fire marshal's office.

The building, part of a four-structure complex in Sonora, was not used for storing wool and mohair in recent years but retained the warehouse business office and mainly was occupied by a ranch supply and general retail store.

"When I received the call about the fire, I assumed the worst, but as we started the cleanup, it became apparent that all the records were Okay having been housed in a fireproof storage facility," said Seco Mayfield, manager of Sonora Wool and Mohair.

He said the fire was controlled before it reached three other buildings where wool and mohair inventory is stored. Although most of the wool and mohair had been sold and shipped, a few bags of hair sheep fleece was on the loading dock awaiting shipment. It was not lost and is scourable.

Mayfield has established temporary office space across the street and is receiving wool and mohair clip as usual.

Reprinted in part from GoSanAngelo.com