On December 28, 2020, the African Grocery Store burn to the ground around 7am. 6 local fire department responded to the blaze that destroy this 1899 structure in downtown Noel. The investigation continues into the fire cause. A local fireman was hit on top of his head by falling beam and hurt, but lucky for him his mashed helmet saved his life according to reports. Here we have a northbound empty grain train passing over main street Noel as they make their way up the Heavener Sub towards Pittsburg and the next crew change. Noel is located at MP 200, and only a few miles from the Arkansas Stateline. Neat old depot sits along the tracks too.
Investigation into the cause of the fire came back as"undetermined" by the state fire marshal in 2021.
