By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.com
SPENCER — Spencer Police were called to 430 Steeplechase Trail in reference to a domestic dispute today just before officers found flames showing from the home.
Spencer Fire Chief Gray Grubb said firefighters found flames coming from the “garage area on the first floor.” A second alarm was called after fire officials found flames coming from both ends of the roof.
Firefighters were still spraying hot spots along the roof at 6 p.m. and Rowan Fire Marshal Tom Murphy said he had not yet gotten into the home to investigate.
Fire trucks lined Steeplechase Trail, a subdivision between U.S. 29 and the Yadkin River in the northern part of Spencer.
Grubb said fire units from Salisbury, South Salisbury, Miller’s Ferry, Ellis, Franklin, Union and East Spencer responded. The Rowan Rescue Squad and Rowan EMS also assisted.
Neighbors watched from their front yards as smoke billowed from around the roof’s perimeter. The home appeared to be completely gutted.
Firefighters put ladders against the home and used chainsaws to cut holes in the roof for ventilation shortly after arriving.
Neighbors said they heard loud boom shortly before hearing fire sirens from the street.
Next door neighbor Rose Taylor said it sounded like “something fell down,”?but she didn’t go outside until she saw emergency vehicles.
“I heard a boom and then I heard a fire truck,” she said. “I didn’t check on the boom. I  thought it was at the back of my house.”
Contact reporter Nathan Hardin at 704-797-4246.