Long-standing drugstore in Cumming severely damaged by fire

A longtime business in downtown’s Cumming Square was severely damaged by fire Sunday evening.

Forsyth County Fire Department Chief Jason Shivers said crews were called to Goodson Drug Company on Maple Street around 7 p.m

“When our first units arrived on scene, they actually found a working commercial fire,” Shivers said. “Goodson Drugs has been on the square for 65 years. “It is a local, iconic, family-owned pharmacy that unfortunately suffered a fire in its building.”

Shivers said the fire was brought under control within an hour, but the fire had already caused extensive damage to the business. The store was closed at the time and no injuries were reported.

“People driving through town this morning were probably shocked to see the damage done to their beloved pharmacy in downtown Cumming,” Shivers said.

The company posted the aftermath of the fire on social media Monday morning.

“We hope to be able to distribute copies for your prescriptions by the end of this week. We strongly recommend obtaining new prescriptions from your doctor and having those prescriptions sent to a pharmacy of your choice,” the post reads. “We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers! Our goal is to reopen as quickly as possible and continue to serve our wonderful community.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Shivers said roads in and around the square were closed while firefighters battled the blaze, but all were reopened late Sunday evening.