HICKORY, NC (July 16, 2017)…Hickory firefighters were extremely busy Sunday. They responded to three fires in a four-hour time span and two occurred nearly at the same time.
At 13:54 Hickory firefighters responded to 2040 12th Ave NE (Side Pocket Lounge) for a reported fire in the structure. Upon arrival at 13:57, firefighters found heavy amounts of fire and smoke coming from the building. After ensuring the occupants had evacuated the burning building, firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, which was reported controlled at 14:04. No injuries were reported and damages were considered major.
Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental and the cause was electrical related.
Also at 16:54 firefighters responded to a reported fire at 2405 Highland Ave NE (Sherrill Furniture). Upon arrival, firefighters were directed by an employee to the hog (grinder) room, where they reported light smoke. Firefighters cut power to the machine and then disconnected the machine to locate the source of the smoke. Damages were considered minor.
The third fire came at 17:39 while firefighters were still on the second incident. This fire was located at 41 14th Street SE. While enroute to the call, firefighters were told that an occupant was still inside the residence. Upon arrival firefighter reported smoke coming from the building and the occupant still inside. Firefighters searched the house and were able to rescue one person, who was transported to a local hospital by Catawba County EMS. The victim was being treated for possible smoke inhalation. Firefighters then worked to extinguish the fire which was reported controlled at 17:51. No other injuries were reported and damages were considered minor. Fire investigators are still working to determine the cause of this fire.