Updated at: 11/26/2009 10:49 PM

Possible Arson Fire Damages Two Harbors Business

Mark and Jody Veness have owned Seventh Avenue Auto Service for 30 years. They declined to appear on camera, but say they were shocked when the phone rang just after midnight telling them their station was on fire.

The couple arrived on scene shortly afterward. They say firefighters had worked quickly and already had the flames under control when they got there. Jody says the fire appears to have started in the office area of the building. That's the area that sustained the most damage. They were able to salvage some paperwork, but most of it was destroyed.

In the garage, Mark says there is mostly smoke and heat damage. There was a truck parked inside at the time of the fire, but it seemed to have sustained only minor damage.

Two Harbors Police say they are conducting an arson investigation. And they're also looking into a possible theft from the service station as well. Mark and Jody say they have no idea who would do something like this, especially in a small town.

The Venesses say the building was insured, but the service station was their only source of income. Mark says they've renovated twice already, and it's unclear at this point if the building can be repaired.

This fire left behind more than flame-licked walls and soot--it left a lot of uncertainty for its owners.