The Morganton Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a structure on fire in the area of St. Mary’s Church Road on Saturday (November 4). Just after 4:30 p.m., an off-duty Public Safety Officer was traveling through the area of Saint Mary’s Church Road and noticed an outbuilding on fire.

The Officer notified the Burke County Emergency Communications Center of the fire in the area of 162 Saint Mary’s Church Road. Firefighters responded to the scene and saw flames and smoke coming from the building, as well as an adjacent wooded area burning.

Firefighters were able to gain control of the fire within a short period of time and worked to ensure the area was fully extinguished. Houses and other structures were nearby, however, damage was limited to the outbuilding. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. Assisting agencies included Burke County E.M.S. and the Burke Rescue Squad.