Fire destroys vacant home

On February 9, 2023 at 8:50 p.m., Morganton Public Safety Officers and Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 117 ½ Burkemont Ave. First arriving units advised there was smoke and flames coming from the front of the two-story residence. Upon arrival of Morganton Ladder 1, the house was deemed fully involved with fire. Morganton Engine 1 was used for fire suppression. Due to the narrow drive way, most of the Morganton fire apparatus and public safety vehicles had to utilize Burkemont Ave. for parking.

Multiple suppression lines were used to extinguish the fire.

Upon arrival, a search of the residence was attempted but due to wind-driven fire conditions and unsafe conditions of the vacant home a full search could not be completed.

The home was vacant at the time of the fire and no occupants were found to be inside.

City of Morganton Electric personnel were contacted to respond to remove downed power lines close to the residence. Fire personnel remained on the scene for approximately 2 hours extinguishing fire extension.

The fire is currently under investigation by Morganton Public Safety Investigators. The residential structure and all contents was a total loss.