By the time it was all over, the fire had destroyed Ball’s workshop and the vehicles in it, including a 1929 Model A coupe that was only days from being fully restored. It also damaged two mobile homes Ball used for storage, as well as a building behind his workshop, also used for storage, although firefighters were able to save the second building.

West Rowan Fire Chief John Morrison said the fire started about 5 p.m. Friday, ignited by sparks that flew while Ball was welding. Ball tried to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher but they ran out of control.

As firefighters battled the blaze, sparks ignited dry grass and fire spread back toward the woods and into the mobile homes. Firefighters thought they they had extinguished the fire by about 10 p.m. and left, but the fire re-ignited, and they had to return about 1:30 this morning.

Morrison said the services of support personnel sent from the Rowan County Rescue Squad were essential for the safety of the firefighters.

“You can imagine, it was real hot,” he said.

The drought made the situation worse because the grass and the woods were so dry, Morrison said.