Fire Engulfs Abandoned House

At least 30 volunteer firefighters from four stations responded to a fire at an abandoned house located at 4700 Mars Hill Road near Highway 316 around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

said by the time the first station arrived, the roof had already collapsed and the fire was fully engulfed. A motorist had called 911.

"When a property is abandoned and fully engulfed, we usually make the decision to let it burn out," he said.  "It's easier for the owner to clean up that way."

No one was injured, and there were no nearby structures threatened by the blaze. Firefighters monitored trees and grass to ensure the fire did not spread.

Firefighters would remain on the scene until it was safe to leave and allow the fire to smolder itself out, which would happen overnight, Thaxton said.

As for the cause of the fire, it would be difficult to investigate since the property was abandoned, Thaxton said.