ELIZABETHTOWN, N.C. (AP) -- Fire that appeared to spread across a common attic space destroyed at least seven businesses and a Christian Science reading room Monday, causing what the town's fire chief Fulk estimated to be more than $1 million in damage.
The fire on West King Street between Martin Luther King Drive and South Poplar Street started about 3 p.m. and leveled the row of adjoining buildings that made up most of a city block in the Bladen County seat.
The cause of the fire hadn't been determined Monday night, but Elizabethtown Fire Chief Jamie Fulk said he didn't suspect arson.
Fire crews worked Monday evening to knock down charred buildings to keep the blaze from spreading further. A unit was called to the Christian Science building Monday night when a fire rekindled.
Businesses destroyed included two beauty salons, an upholstery shop, a tanning salon, a Construction company, a Christian Science Society reading room and a center for teaching English to Hispanic immigrants.
