By Michael Bushnell
Northeast News
November 4, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – For the first time in over two weeks, employees of Snyder’s Supermarket, 2620 Independence Ave.,ventured inside the smoke damaged market to begin the rebuilding process after the fatal fire that killed two Kansas City firefighters on Oct. 12, 2015.

Perishable items such as meat and produce are in the process of being removed from the store by professional environmental clean-up crews and large air scrubbers have been placed inside the building by area fire and restoration contractors to help eradicate the pungent odor of smoke and spoiled food.

“This is a very detailed process” Jenelle James, Snyder’s general manager, said. “We’ll be taking a complete inventory of the store, then every single item will be removed and either sold to a certified salvage grocery company or disposed of in accordance with the city’s health code. After that the real work begins.”

Employees were able to get a look inside while they met in the parking lot to pick up their paychecks.

Customers continue to drive into the market’s parking lot, inquiring about when the store plans to re-open.

“We really miss shopping here,” Paul Gonzales, who lives in the Columbus Park neighborhood and shops at the store weekly for his disabled mother and himself, said. “The James’ are like family to us so we’ll be very happy when they get back open again.

Store Owner Jerry James indicated that the store could re-open as soon as Thanksgiving.