Multiple Fire Crews Battle N.C. House Fire

Nov. 12--PINK HILL -- Firefighters in and around Pink Hill battled a growing attic fire Monday night.

Nearly 20 minutes after crews arrived at the scene in the 4200 block of Old Pink Hill Road, other fire crews were on their way to lend assistance.

In all, volunteer fire departments from Pink Hill, Deep Run and Southwood responded to the incident, beginning around 6:20 p.m.

Lenoir County EMS announced at 6:46 p.m. it had dispatched to the scene.

According to scanner reports, the fire began in the attic with smoke easily visible as firefighters began to take on the blaze.

Not long afterward, another firefighter announced fire coming out of the home's roof. Firefighters worked the fire from the roof as others continued to battle flames on the ground to get it under control.

A firefighter announced the fire knocked down at the scene at 7:07 p.m., though dousing trouble areas and hot spots continued.

A recent spike in house fires -- and particularly damaging house fires -- can be traced back to colder temperatures arriving in the area as the season continues to change.

Lenoir County Emergency Services Director Roger Dail said before residents start up central heat or space heaters going, it's important to have someone take a look at them.

"Before you cut a heater on for the first time, it needs to be serviced," Dail said. "So, you should get a professional to come out and service it."

He also reminded to keep combustible liquids away from heating elements.

And, the inspection should go "from the actual heating element itself right down to the electrical side of it," Dail said.

Also, in late fall and winters past, some fires start from space heaters being too close to rugs or bed linens, so those situations should be avoided to reduce the risk of an accidental fire.

Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.

Copyright 2014 - The Free Press, Kinston, N.C.