A fire heavily damaged a home and business on the 200 block of South Bennett Street in Southern Pines on Wednesday morning.
Heavy smoke and flames engulfed the home around 9 a.m. near the downtown area. The property served as both a residence and a home-based business.
Fire officials told Sandhills Sentinel that no one was injured in the blaze; however, three cats remain unaccounted.Â
The fire elicited a large response, resulting in roadways surrounding the property being blocked off.
Firefighters continued working for several hours to extinguish hotspots after flames spread throughout the structure. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no further details are available at this time.
The homeowners told responders they have another place to stay, so the Red Cross was not contacted for assistance.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Photos courtesy Deputy Chief of Operations Ted Horvath.
