Fire crews responded early this morning (June 4) to a major structure fire in Morganton that prompted a multi-agency response and led to the closure of a section of N.C. Highway 18 South.

According to the Morganton Department of Public Safety, personnel were dispatched shortly after 1:00 a.m. to Morganton Mobile Home Supply on South Sterling Street for a reported structure fire.

When firefighters arrived, they found the building heavily involved with fire conditions extending through the roof. Initial reports indicated the possibility of occupants trapped in a basement apartment. Crews quickly entered the structure and were able to safely escort all occupants from the building. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Firefighters remained on the scene conducting overhaul operations while investigators prepared to determine the cause of the fire later Thursday. Assisting agencies included Burke County EMS, Duke Energy, Triple Community Fire/Rescue, Chesterfield Fire/Rescue, and Burke County R.E.A.C.T., which provided traffic control support.

As of 7 a.m. South Sterling Street/N.C. Highway 18 South remained closed between Believer’s Way and Drexel Road and was expected to reopen later in the morning once fireground operations are complete. Motorists were advised to use Drexel Road as a detour.