At 12:26 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2017, the Gastonia Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at on Hemlock Avenue.

Firefighters arrived on the scene and observed a one-story residential dwelling with smoke and flames visible.

Gastonia firefighters made entry to the home and encountered heavy fire in the rear and attic of the structure. The occupant escaped the home without injuries. 

Firefighters had the fire extinguished in approximately 30 minutes.

A total of 25 personnel and six apparatus responded to the scene.

The Gastonia Fire Department Fire Investigation Task Force is investigating the cause of the fire.

       - Chris Stowe