Mitchell Motors in Great Bend sustained heavy fire and smoke damage as a result of a fire which occurred shortly after the business’s closing Wednesday evening.

According to Great Bend Fire Chief Luke McCormick, crews responded to a report of heavy smoke emanating from the building at 1919 Main St. shortly after 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, crews discovered heavy smoke and fire coming from the shop area of the building and were able to extinguish the fire.

McCormick said no one was in the building at the time of the fire, as the business was closed when crews arrived on scene.

The exact amount of loss is still being determined, though McCormick said the building is valued at over $400,000, with its contents valued at over $1 million.

GBFD as well as the Kansas Fire Marshal were at the scene Thursday to conduct a further investigation into the cause of the fire, which McCormick said had not yet been determined.