Two sisters huddled together in tears as paramedics took their mother to the hospital after their home burned Friday afternoon.
When Salisbury firefighters arrived on the scene, they found the house at the corner of Standish Street and Reed Lane ablaze.
Salisbury Fire Chief Sam Brady said a tenant, Beverly Turner, was out front in hysterics when he arrived. It was not clear whether she was in the house when it caught fire, he said.
Heavy fire and smoke poured from the structure at 1301 Standish St., across from the Stone Garden Apartments near Livingstone College. Officials said the fire, which damaged a bedroom and the attic above, started when a cord on a window fan shorted out and caught a bed on fire.
House owner Charles Withers said Friday that he has owned the house for more than 15 years. Turner and her three children have lived in the house about eight months.
Firefighters began to aid Turner, turning her care over to the Rowan County Rescue Squad. Emergency Medical Services later transported her to Rowan Regional Medical Center where she was still being treated Friday evening.
Firefighter Doug Carter became overheated during the incident, needing medical attention. Assistant Chief Rick Fesperman said this was not uncommon, especially considering Friday’s heat. He said medical personnel gave Carter fluids and that he should be better today.
Contact Jillian McCartney at 704-797-4253 or jmccartney@salisburypost.com
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