Last Thursday (February 9) at 8:50 p.m., Morganton Public Safety Officers and Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 117-1/2 Burkemont Avenue. First arriving units reported smoke and flames coming from the front of the two-story residence. Upon arrival of Morganton Ladder 1, the house was deemed fully involved with fire. Morganton Engine 1 was used for fire suppression.

Due to the narrow drive way, most of the Morganton fire apparatus and public safety vehicles had to utilize Burkemont Ave. for parking. Multiple suppression lines were used to extinguish the fire. Upon arrival, a search of the residence was attempted but due to wind-driven fire conditions and unsafe conditions, a full search of the vacant home could not be completed. No occupants were found in the residence.

City of Morganton Electric personnel were contacted to respond to remove downed power lines close to the residence. Fire personnel remained on the scene for approximately two hours. The fire is currently under investigation by Morganton Public Safety Investigators. The residential structure and all contents was a total loss.