FLOWOOD, Miss. (WLBT) – Some vendors are still reeling after a fire nearly a month ago at the Mississippi Trade Mart that destroyed hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise. One Flowood shop owner fears for the safety of vendors and others visiting the facility.
Hours after leaving the Spring Market at the Mississippi Trade Mart, Misty Gaskamp learned that a fire was shutting down the event. The owner of Dolly Chic Boutique in Flowood was one of more than 100 vendors. Her merchandise received soot and smoke damage, but she said she became more concerned after obtaining the State Fire Marshal’s report about safety procedures.
“There’s a code violation report that was actually issued on I think the 26th, whenever they revisited the building, and the code violation addressed the fact that the sprinkler systems did not go off. It also addresses the fact that the fire alarm — that panel does not contact anyone,” Gaskamp said.
According to the State Fire Marshal, the fire started around 9:15 p.m. Friday, March 20. It was discovered around 12:23 a.m. Saturday by a security guard who notified the fire department. A statement from Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson’s office said the sprinkler system was inspected in October 2025 and found operational.
The statement said the March 2026 fire was unrelated to the previous inspection. The fire was determined to be accidental and caused by a lighted candle or improper use of extension cords in a vendor’s booth. The statement also said the sprinkler system was triggered during the March 2026 fire, and officials believe some water was delivered…