- for THE PAPER
The blaze destroyed or severely damaged an estimated 100-plus cars, trucks, and other commercial vehicles.
The fire that erupted Saturday, March 22, near Cooks Garage & Salvage is now 100% contained and officials are investigating the origins of the fire, which began during a statewide and Burke County burn ban. The county is also under a “Very High” Fire Danger Level.
No one was injured in the blaze. Five people living on the property have been displaced. Five structures were destroyed, four of which were mobile homes.
Burke County Fire Marshal Robert Bishop estimated that around 500 vehicles were burned and destroyed. Vans, trucks, motorcycles, commercial truck, utility trailers, and tractors were engulfed in the flames.
Crews were first called at 11:35 a.m. Saturday to the scene around the garage at 1041 Iron Lane near the Burke/Caldwell County line. Several related fires were sparked on the property throughout the weekend. Local fire personnel and the N.C. Forest Service tackled the fires.
By 8 p.m. Saturday, officials announced the fire was 70% contained. N.C. Fire Service remained overnight to monitor the area. N.C. Forest Service had reported that up to 180 acres were impacted by the fire. The number was later updated Sunday night to 147 acres. The N.C. Forest Service was still on scene around 9 p.m. on Sunday to evaluate the back-burned areas and fire breaks.
The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice.
In total, 25 fire departments from Burke, Catawba, Caldwell, McDowell, and Alexander counties responded, along with personnel from the following agencies:
- North Carolina Forest Service
- Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office
- Burke County Emergency Management
- Burke County EMS
- Burke County Rescue Squad
- Burke County REACT
- Burke County Sheriff’s Office
- Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office
- Caldwell County Emergency Management
Saydie Bean is the municipal and courts reporter. She may be reached at 828-445-8595, ext. 2011, or saydie@thepaper.media.