FireNews.net

Fire Hits Buildings in Downtown Maxton

Submitted by: FireNews.net Staff

Photo Courtesy LaurinburgExchange.com

Robeson County

MAXTON - A fire late Friday night engulfed at least two buildings in downtown Maxton.

Witnesses said the blaze began at about 10:30 p.m. in an abandoned building that once housed a drug store.

It quickly moved to the adjacent McGirt’s Plumbing building. The structures are on McCaskill Avenue.

Authorities said they were unable at press time to determine what might have caused the fire. It does not appear that anyone was in the buildings or injured.

Several fire departments were at the scene battling the fire about two hours after it started.

Laurinburg fire fighters on a tall ladder truck sprayed water on the flames without much success. Emergency personnel worked to keep the fire from sending up other structures.

“It is strong as ever,” said a resident who stood in her yard and watched the gray smoke rise into the night sky. Falling soot covered her yard, which was about two blocks from the fire.

Closer to the fire, a small crowd had gathered near Town Hall to watch.

“I just hope that are able to contain it,” said Maxton resident Linda Powell. “We’re trying to improve downtown and this certainly doesn’t help.”

See the FireNews.net Incident Reports for more details.

UPDATE: New photos from Saturday morning at 10:00 hours added. Maxton and Queheel firefighters still on scene. Photos by Scotland County 502.

The Laurinburg Exchange

Primary Agency: Maxton Fire Department

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Posted on Sat Jun 28 2008 at 11:44 UPDATED: Sun Jun 29 at 12:00