TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. (WACB) – On Saturday (September 5) just before 2 p.m. the Alexander County 911 Center received a 911 call reporting a residential structure fire at 528 Old Wilkesboro Road. The Taylorsville Fire Department arrived on scene within approximately five minutes and found a working fire in an attached laundry room. Fire crews brought the fire under control within approximately 15 minutes. Nobody home at the time of the fire. There were no reported injuries to civilians or fire personnel.

According to our news partner, WACB, neighbors who were conducting a yard sale at a nearby residence reported that a storm had moved into the area and had become increasingly strong. The neighbors also reported seeing a lightning strike in very close proximity to the residence. The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. Following a thorough investigation, evidence of a potential lightning strike was located on the roof of the residence.

The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office was consulting with the National Weather Service to obtain available lightning strike data as part of the ongoing investigation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Responding agencies included Taylorsville Fire Department, Sugar Loaf Fire Department, Hiddenite Fire Department, Taylorsville Police Department, and the Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office. Auxiliary members also assisted with rehabilitation operations on scene. The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office will continue its investigation and provide additional information as it becomes available.

[Story courtesy of Rick Gilbert, WACB]