The Hickory Fire Department responded to an early morning blaze at a vacant building. According to the department, firefighters responded to 1349 1st Avenue SW at 6:17 a.m. today (September 15). Upon arrival, responders noticed that the fire had spread through the building.

Firefighters had to implement what is known as a “defensive attack” due to concerns about the integrity of the roof, which did in fact collapse in some places. There were no injuries reported. The fire will be investigated, however, the probe could not start until the structure was deemed safe to enter.