VALDESE, N.C. (AP) -- About 90 people lost their jobs Thursday when a fire destroyed the Robinson Hosiery plant here.
When firefighters arrived at the scene about 4:30 p.m., flames had already spread throughout the building and leaping through the roof. A column of smoke towered into the sky, obliterating the sun. Black ashes drifted in the air.
After about 30 minutes, firefighters had to leave the inside of the building, which was threatening to collapse, said Deputy Fire Marshal Mike Long.
Firefighters then surrounded the building and sprayed water onto the fire from outside.
''Sprinklers would have helped control the blaze, but there were none in the building,'' said Long.
All that remained of the building at 7 p.m. were four scorched walls, with the roof burned away. Only the dye house and warehouse were saved from the flames.
''Jobs are hard to find, and this was a good job. They are good people to work for,'' employee Douglas Walker said. ''They treat you like family.''
Information from: The News Herald
Copyright 2005 Associated Press
