News Summary

After an eight-month closure due to a fire caused by a generator malfunction during Hurricane Helene, McKinney Tire Service in Aiken, S.C., has reopened. Owner Jim McKinney led the rebuilding efforts, upgrading the facility with modern equipment and amenities. The shop, a local staple for over 20 years, aims to continue providing honest and helpful tire services to the community while emphasizing safety reminders regarding generator use.

Aiken, S.C. – McKinney Tire Service has officially reopened its doors after an eight-month closure that resulted from a devastating fire linked to Hurricane Helene. The tire shop, a staple in the Aiken community for over 20 years, was destroyed by the fire on October 2, caused by a generator malfunction that led to an explosion.

Owner Jim McKinney stated that the power outage caused by Hurricane Helene forced the shop’s generator to be used. A spark from a battery while refueling this generator ignited the blaze, which quickly spread and led to a two-alarm fire response, with multiple fire departments arriving at the scene. While no fatalities were reported, one employee suffered injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where their condition was later stabilized.

The closure of the shop, located at 856 York St. NE, left many customers without access to its popular services, including free air for tires and assistance with minor car issues without high-pressure sales tactics. The community expressed significant interest in the shop’s reopening during the lengthy reconstruction process.

Jim McKinney, who had retired just a few months before the fire and transferred shop operations to his sons, felt a sense of duty to return and assist in the rebuilding efforts. The reconstruction took seven months and resulted in a facility featuring updated equipment and enhanced customer amenities. This upgrade was seen by McKinney as a “blessing in disguise,” allowing for much-needed renovations and improvements to the business.

Throughout the rebuilding process, McKinney appreciated the support garnered from the Aiken Fire Department and the local community. The tire shop has long been known for its commitment to honest and helpful service, and the McKinney family is dedicated to maintaining these values as they reopen and serve their loyal customers once again.

The recent fire incident also prompted the community to receive important safety reminders regarding proper generator usage to prevent similar incidents in the future. The prompt response of the fire services ensured that the fire was contained and minimized potential damage to nearby properties.

As of today, McKinney Tire Service is back in operation, ready to support the Aiken community once again. With a new and improved facility, the shop aims to provide even better service than before, maintaining its reputation as a friendly and dependable neighborhood tire service.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Aiken Tire Shop Reopens After Fire Forced It Shut Down
• Augusta Chronicle: McKinney Tire Service Destroyed in Substantial Aiken Fire
• The Augusta Press: Structure Fire at McKinney Tire Sends One to Hospital
• WJBF: Aiken Tire Store Catches Fire, Richland Ave Shut Down
• WRDW: Fire at Aiken Tire Shop Sends Huge Plume of Smoke Into Sky
• Wikipedia: Fire Safety
• Google Search: McKinney Tire Service
• Google Scholar: Fire Prevention
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
• Google News: Aiken Fire Department

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.