RFP Staff
♦ A fire, reportedly started by a stove fire at 711 East Liberty Street in Salisbury Sunday morning, raced quickly through the home and routed two families. None of the 15 occupants were reported injured although they lost their belongings. The homeowner was identified as Nellie Lynch.
The Salisbury Fire Department was dispatched to the scene sometime around 10 a.m. and soon their firefighters were joined by multiple fire departments from Spencer, Granite Quarry, South Salisbury, Salisbury City, Rockwell, Faith, Rockwell Rural, Miller’s Ferry, and Ellis Cross. They were assisted by the Rowan County EMS and the Rowan County Rescue Squad. The blaze broke through the roof of the two story structure and smoke poured out of the 2nd floor windows. The interior of the house was heavily damaged especially the second floor.
Heat from fire and the day’s temperatures created challenges for firefighters wearing heavy gear. Because of assistance from area fire departments, firefighters were permitted to rotate often. Still some firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion.
The fire was declared under control by the early afternoon. The fire remains under investigation.
The Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families in finding shelter and needed food and clothing.
This same house was involved in a drive-by shooting in July 2014:
