GRETNA, Va. (rbs news now) — A fire tore through Jack’s Quick Snack, a beloved restaurant in Gretna for over 50 years, on June 3.

The fire broke out just before 9:30 a.m. at 101 South Shelton Street.

Flames were reported visible through the roof by Gretna Police officers as fire crews responded.

Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire pouring from the roofline of the commercial structure.

Firefighters said they initiated an aggressive interior attack, but a smoke explosion and partial roof collapse forced incident command to withdraw personnel for safety.

A defensive operation was then launched using Tower 21 and multiple hose lines.

Crews remained on scene for several hours battling the blaze and later reentered the building for overhaul.

“This was a challenging incident, and we are incredibly grateful for the assistance and support we received,” Gretna Fire and EMS said in a Facebook post. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jack’s that has been a staple in Gretna for many years.”

Fire departments from Gretna, Chatham, Climax, Hurt, Blairs, and Altavista responded, along with assistance from the Virginia Department of Transportation, Gretna and Chatham police departments, and Pittsylvania County Public Safety.

The Gretna Water Department also increased hydrant pressure to aid in fire suppression efforts.

Gretna Fire and Rescue also expressed thanks to McDonald’s for providing lunch and to community members who brought water and Gatorade to help keep firefighters hydrated.

Deputy Chief Ryan Crews of Gretna Fire and Rescue told rbs news now at the scene that no injuries were reported in the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.