SOUTH SALT LAKE — The inside of a Rite Aid store was completely charred with smoke because of what may have been a firework set off in the greeting card section.

Fire officials were interviewing employees and reviewing surveillance tapes to see if a firework caused the smoke damage to the building at 635 E. 3300 South, said South Salt Lake Fire Chief Steve Foote. Nearby businesses Hancock Fabrics and Checker Auto Parts were also filled with smoke.

"We got reports that there was a popping noise and that a firework may have been set off," Foote said.

Firefighters were called at 3:27 p.m. Wednesday. The entire interior of the Rite Aid was charred and a small fire was still burning inside when firefighters arrived minutes later, Foote said. The automatic sprinklers kept the blaze contained, but did cause some water damage to the store, he said.

— Michael R. McFall