The awning of the old EZ Mart store on Beurkle Street is leaning towards the road, prompting city officials to close the street between 4th and 6th Streets. (Photo courtesy of the Stuttgart Fire Department)

City officials closed Buerkle Street between 4th and 6th Streets on Tuesday afternoon due to a potential road hazard at the site of the old EZ Mart.

According to a post on the city’s official Facebook page, empty fuel tanks at the former EZ Mart location on Buerkle Street floated to the surface following heavy rainfall on Tuesday. The movement caused the station’s awning to lean toward the roadway.

The post stated that no active gasoline leak was detected and there was no immediate danger to the public. However, Fire Chief Jimmy Cason recommended closing the street until the issue could be resolved.

“The street will be closed until the awning has been safely removed,” the post reads.

Residents seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Arkansas County Office of Emergency Management.