On 12/17/06 at 14:45 Ranlo Fire and Rescue received a call of a commercial building fire at the corner of Cox Road and Lowell Road. Chief Mark Rudisill arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing. The building housed a pawn shop, barber shop, appliance store and a church in the basement. He called for a second alarm.
As the trucks arrived teams were sent to the front, side and basement. Over 1,500 feet of 5 inch line was laid to assist with water from hydrants. Tankers were called from as far as Clover, S.C. Low water pressure was a problem.
Upon entering the building firefighters encountered heavy smoke. More than 10 departments helped battle the fire. Firemen attempted to ventilate the roof but were evacuated. It took several hours to control the fire which threatened another building.
Also assisting was City of Gastonia Fire Department, Ranlo PD, City Of Gastonia PD, GEMS and the Red Cross.
Highway # 7 was blocked off for 1/2 mile in each direction as well as railroad traffic which ran behind the building. The fire marshal will be investigating the incident. Thanks to everyone there were no injuries. The building was a total loss.
