Note – This article has been edited since when it was posted to correct factual errors.
Murphy – An accidental fire destroyed a three-story home on Feb. 21 and ignited a brush fire that threatened two other structures.
Units from the Murphy, Peachtree and Ranger volunteer fire departments were dispatched at 4:26 p.m. to a structure fire at 41 Ramsey Estates. Murphy fire units observed a heavy column of smoke from the structure as they approached.
The first apparatus from Murphy fire responded at 4:28 p.m. and arrived four minutes later. They found the wood frame structure with heavy fire and smoke showing through the roof and exposures, including a propane tank, power pole with transformer and a vehicle. There was no one in the residence at the time.
“A 360-degree recon revealed fire had spread into the woods 270 degrees from structure,” Murphy Fire Chief Al Lovingood said. “A second alarm was requested for (the N.C. Forest Service) to assist with the woods fire. A defensive attack was initiated to mitigate the fire and protect exposures.”
He said personnel performed a reconnaissance of woods fire and determined two additional structures were threatened.
“Personnel and resources along with forestry initiated mitigation efforts to protect structures as the woods fire was effectively spreading due to increased winds,” Lovingood said.
The majority of fire in the structure was controlled at 5:20 p.m., with extinguishing efforts of both structure and woods continuing, he said.
“Personnel met with owners, who advised the structure was not insured and they requested it to burn due to nothing being salvageable,” Lovingood said. “Overhaul operations were discontinued, allowing the structure to burn.”
A total of four acres burned surrounding the structure and the exposed vehicle sustained radiant heat damage, he said. The fire cause was determined to be accidental.
Tax records show the structure was owned by Brian McLeod.