A home sustained heavy damage in a fire earlier this week. Shortly before midnight Wednesday (March 1), Hickory firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire located in the area of 1065 3rd Street Drive NE. Firefighters responded with two engines, one ladder, rescue truck, and two command units. Catawba County EMS also responded to the incident.

Upon arrival at 11:56 p.m., firefighters reported light smoke inside the house and heavy amounts of fire and smoke coming from the attic of structure. They confirmed the occupant was safe outside the house and worked to extinguish the fire. Due to fire conditions, a second alarm was called bringing additional firefighters and equipment.

During firefighting operations, one firefighter was injured and transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. While working to contain the fire, firefighters noticed the roof of the structure was unstable. For the safety purposes, they worked from the exterior of the house to extinguish the fire. No other injuries were reported and damages were considered major.

Hickory Fire Investigators responded to the incident to conduct the investigation. They determined the fire was accidental and was electrical-related.