At 1052 hrs., Jacksonville, NC Fire Dept. E-3, E-4, L-1 & 402 (Battalion Chief), along with automatic aid from Pumpkin Center VFD, were dispatched to 899 Piney Green Rd. for a reported structure. This portion of the city is a satellite area of Jacksonville.
Initial units reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of vacant (65'x120') ordinary structure that formerly housed a barber college.
Units attempted an interior attack but quickly evacuated the building for a defensive attack moments before a portion of the roof collapsed.
Units established one 5-inch supply line and a tanker shuttle to fight the fire due to hydrants being sparsely spaced in the satellite area of the city. The fire was brought under control in approximately one-hour.
Additional staff support from JFD along with units from White Oak VFD and Piney Green VFD responded to the blaze.
At this time, the fire is under investigation. The building was valued at $291,000.
