Wilmington firefighters encountered heavy fire showing from the first and second floors of the Graystone Inn on Friday afternoon.
But, the flames quickly spread to the third floor and the roof of the historic building in downtown.
“It really is a shame that this building caught fire. I know that [the owners] had put a ton of work and money and resources into getting back on their feet after the last fire. So I wished we could have saved it. But that’s not the way it worked out," Wilmington Fire Chief Steve Mason told WECT.
The inn has been closed since a kitchen fire two years ago.
Firefighters made a primary search even though it was reported to be unoccupied. As the fire raged out of control, several ladder pipes were operating.
“My heart goes out to the owners of the Graystone, because it is a significant loss to them and the community as well. I mean this is a beautiful icon of the city, a historic building. And so it’s an emotional event for some people, I’m sure.”
The cause is under investigation.
