LANDIS — Fire officials say a fire inside a trash can that spread to a Landis duplex has displaced six adults and two children, all believed to have been living there.

The fire occurred Friday morning just before 9 a.m. at 202 South Chapel Street, at the corner of East Mill Street, a short distance from the Landis Post Office. The fire originated inside a roll-out trash can that was beside the house and then spread to the siding.

Landis firefighters extinguished the fire that did not spread beyond the outside of the house. There is no evidence as to how the fire started, said Deborah Horne, an investigator with the Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office.

There were adults in the home at the time of the fire, but all were able to exit. Fire officials said someone believed to live inside initially told firefighters there was an adult inside, so EMS was called. No one was inside and no injuries were reported.

Landis Public Power did supply utility services to the front portion of the house, said Public Works Director Steve Rowland.

It was believed that people were living inside the back portion of the house.

“We are not aware of anybody living in the back,” Rowland said.

While on the scene and after giving the all clear, firefighters allowed the occupants a chance to go inside the home to gather some belongings.

The Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the tenants.

China Grove Fire Department initially responded to the scene, but returned to their station once it was determined the fire was contained.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.