Off-Duty Officer Notices Fire, Damages Limited

Morganton Department of Public Safety responded to the report of an outbuilding on fire in the area of St. Mary's Church Road on Saturday. 

Just after 4:30pm, an off-duty Public Safety Officer (C. Lipford) was traveling through the area of Saint Mary's Church Road and noticed an outbuilding on fire.  The Officer notified Burke County Emergency Communications Center of the fire in the area of 162 Saint Mary's Church Road.  Firefighters responded to the scene and observed 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 include: Burke County E.M.S. and Burke Rescue Squad.