By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
Salisbury Fire Department fought a suspicious, second-story fire in a vacant apartment house Sunday night at South Fulton and Elm streets.
A Salisbury Police officer driving by the house around 6:49 p.m. made the initial call when he spied smoke coming from the upper floor.
Firefighters from all four Salisbury stations responded along with the Spencer, Granite Quarry and Locke fire departments, the Rowan Rescue Squad and emergency services.
No injuries were reported.
Considerable smoke rolled from upper portions of the 1902 house as crews had to break upstairs windows and saw through portions of the steeply pitched roof as part of their attack.
Intense smoke and heat put firefighters in a defensive mode initially until they could create ventilation, Battalion Chief Chris Kepley said.
The incident was reported under control by 7:50 p.m.
Timberlake Properties of Lexington is listed on Rowan County property records as owner of the house.
Neighbors watching from South Fulton Street said the house has been for rent or sale for about three years.
“I don’t remember the last time anyone lived in it,” said Mary Shives, who lives on South Fulton Street.
Exterior wooden stairs lead to an upstairs entrance on the north side of the house, suggesting it once had multiple tenants.
The 2,900-square-foot structure and corner property are valued at $61,533 on the county books.
Damage to the house was contained mainly to the second floor, attic and roof.
The Salisbury Fire Department began its investigation of the fire Sunday night.
The Faith, South Salisbury and Cleveland departments provided coverage for the Salisbury stations.