An early-morning fire has left a family without a home in Carthage. The two-story house, located in the 200 block of East Barrett Street, caught fire early Sunday morning around 12:45 a.m.According to officials on scene, when the first unit arrived, the thick fog in the area made nothing visible from the front of the home. Once they began their investigation, they found a working fire at the rear of the structure. There was also a live power line down, but it was unclear if this caused the fire or was a result of it.Multiple de...
An early-morning fire has left a family without a home in Carthage. The two-story house, located in the 200 block of East Barrett Street, caught fire early Sunday morning around 12:45 a.m.
According to officials on scene, when the first unit arrived, the thick fog in the area made nothing visible from the front of the home. Once they began their investigation, they found a working fire at the rear of the structure. There was also a live power line down, but it was unclear if this caused the fire or was a result of it.
Multiple departments from Moore County, along with Lee County, responded to assist with putting out the blaze. However, the fire spread quickly through the attic area of the home, and tankers had to be utilized to shuttle water from nearby Lake Luke Marion on Pinehurst Avenue.
Carthage Town Manager Emily Yopp explained that pumping water in via tanker shuttle is a standard contingency for downtown fires due to elevation-related pressure limits, not a failure of the system. She also added that a nearby hydrant will be addressed as part of ongoing maintenance, but crews were able to utilize other hydrants in addition to the shuttle system.
A ladder truck from the Southern Pines Fire Department was used to spray water directly into the roof area to keep the flames knocked down. After battling the blaze for over two hours, the fire appeared to be contained.
The home sustained extensive damage from the fire, including a majority of the roof collapsing.
Officials on scene told Sandhills Sentinel that the fire started in the back corner of the home and may have been caused by a heat lamp, but the exact cause is under investigation.
There were no injuries reported in the fire. The family of five, including two adults, two children, and their dog, all made it out safely.
Moore County Public Safety was on scene and is investigating the fire.
East Barrett Street was shut down while crews fought the fire.
Daniel Gwyn | Reporter Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Daniel Gwyn. Daniel has been reporting breaking news for Sandhills Sentinel since 2020.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.