What was initially reported as an outside fire became a structure fire, damaging five apartments to varying degrees. The 911 call came in at 5:59 a.m. Saturday to an apartment complex at 135 Murray Hill Road in Southern Pines.
As the first units arrived, the fire had spread to the building and up the back of the two-story apartment. Southern Pines Fire Chief Mike Cameron reported that the fire traveled up the back of the unit and spread into the attic, allowing it to affect adjoining apartments.
All residents evacuated the building safely. The Red Cross was contacted to assist them.
Most of the extensive damage was to one apartment where the outside fire began. All five apartments had smoke and water damage, with several being damaged by fire.Â
The fire was under control in about an hour. Murray Hill Road was completely shut down.
Fire units from Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Pinebluff, Whispering Pines, Fort Liberty, and the NC Forest Service responded, along with Moore County EMS and Southern Pines Police.
~Article, photos, and video by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.
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