Fire destroys house in East Spencer

Staff report

EAST SPENCER — An afternoon fire destroyed a house on South Long Street Saturday.

And an East Spencer firefighter sustained an injury to his foot when a section of the house collapsed on it.

Units from six fire departments responded to the fire at 935 South Long St., around 2:30 p.m.

When firefighters arrived, they found flames coming out of nearly the entire front of the single-story frame home.

The residents, described as four adults, had gotten out of the house, according to Fire Chief Darin Dearth.

At that point, Dearth ordered a defensive stand. "It was too far gone," he said.

Firefighters encountered multiple problems including a live electrical line and a gas line that leaked gas near the burning house after it was severed by a section of the house collapsing because of the fire.

Rowan EMS treated a firefighter for a foot injury. Firefighters later took him to Rowan Regional where he was treated and released.

Dearth declined to identify the firefighter pending completion of an investigation by the Rowan Fire Marshal's Office.

Union, Miller's Ferry, Salisbury, Granite Quarry and Ellis departments assisted with crews rotating to avoid excessive heat and dehydration.

Two assistant fire marshals responded to the scene. The cause had not been determined late Saturday.

Dearth said the fire didn't pose any danger to other structures. "It was pretty much the only house on the block. There is a hair design place behind it, but it was not in danger."

The fire drew a large crowd of spectators who remained at a safe distance.

A representative of the Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to the scene and provided lodging and assistance to the residents.

The Rowan Rescue Squad provided water and assistance to the firefighters.

Dearth said the fire marshal's investigation should be complete by Monday.