Fire Destroys Local Shop in Waite Park [AUDIO]

WAITE PARK - A fire destroyed Krick's Shoe and Leather Repair earlier today (Thursday). The shop has been in Waite Park for 18 years.

The fire started around 2:30 this morning. Owner Ron Krick, who lives right next to the shop, said he noticed the fire after he was woken up by his dog.

After spotting the fire, Krick told his wife to call 911 while he tried to stop the blaze with a garden hose until help arrived. Both St. Cloud and Waite Park fire crews responded.

The fire was completely extinguished at 7 a.m. and the cause remains under investigation.

With the fire out, Krick is now concerned for his customers, saying they may have lost items in the fire after dropping them off at the shop to be fixed

Krick is the 5th generation of his family to operate a leather repair business, and said he's hoping to rebuild after the investigation.

Since the incident, friends, family, neighbors, customers, and the community have all been there for support.