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BRIGHTON, IOWA -- Larry Turner and William Van Ness have put blood, sweat and tears into getting their business, Brighton Tire, off the ground.

And now, that's what Turner says has gone into cleaning up what's left of their livelihood.

Van Ness got a call from the local mail delivery woman last week, who saw smoke coming from the property belonging to Brighton Tire. Nearly 40 firefighters worked to put out the blaze, which destroyed the entire building and nearly everything inside. Almost a week later, the ashes were still smoldering.

"It's devastating to put endless hours and manpower to put a business up and keep it running," Van Ness said. "Trying to stay above water in this society and with the economy the way it is, it's really hard."

Turner said local law enforcement and firefighters told him the fire began as an electrical fire, but Turner suspects arson. With no insurance, they are left with nothing. Left to literally start over from scratch, with, so far, no help from neighbors or the community.

"We'll just keep struggling," Turner said, looking at the debris. "Get it cleaned up and try to get started again. It's a mess. Makes me sick to look at it."

Turner and Van Ness said they estimate they lost well over $100,000 of merchandise and supplies in the fire. They've put two signs up outside the business off of Highway 78 in Brighton, one that reads "need help" and another reading "donations needed". Both of the co-owners agree that they will likely not get Brighton Tire back up and running without generous support from the community.

 "Any kind of donation would be awesome," Van Ness said.

 "All the money I've had and we made has all gone into here for inventory, tires and new equipment," Turner said.  "We were getting a little bit of money gathered up but now it's gone."

They can't even get refunded for the tools and tires that went up in flames, since the receipts were destroyed in the fire as well.

For now, Van Ness, Turner and their families have set up shop under a makeshift office -- a tarp stretched between two parked trucks. They work together to clear the debris and salvage what they can; the first step in the long process of getting back on their feet.

Donations can be sent in the form of a check, made out to Brighton Tire in care of Iowa State Bank, directed to Becky on the memo line and sent to Iowa State Bank, 55 South 4th Street, Fairfield, Iowa, 52556. Questions can be called in to 641-472-0032.

Donations can also be sent directly to Brighton Tire at 1706 Highway 78, Brighton, Iowa 52540.