GOLDSBORO, N.C. — An early morning structure fire on Woodrow Street displaced three residents Wednesday, March 25, but quick response efforts helped prevent injuries and further damage.
At approximately 7:31 a.m., Goldsboro Fire Department units were dispatched to a structure fire at 414 Woodrow Street after a City of Goldsboro Public Works crew spotted smoke and attempted to alert anyone inside the residence. An assistant fire chief traveling to work also observed the smoke and began initial firefighting efforts using a residential garden hose prior to the arrival of fire crews.
Firefighters arrived just one minute later, at 7:32 a.m., and encountered smoke and flames coming from the single-family home. Crews initiated an aggressive interior attack and brought the fire under control by 7:55 a.m.
The Goldsboro Fire Department responded with five apparatus and 19 personnel to extinguish the fire, conduct salvage operations, and investigate the cause. Officials reported that three individuals were displaced due to fire and smoke damage and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
The structure, valued at $16,000, along with contents valued at $5,000, were determined to be a total loss. Fire investigators determined the blaze was unintentional and caused by unattended cooking on the kitchen stove. No one was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported among residents or responding personnel.
While crews were still battling the fire at 414 Woodrow Street, a second structure fire call came in at 505 Woodrow Street, just one block away. Units were reassigned to the location, but upon arrival, firefighters discovered no active fire. The incident was determined to be a burst water heater.
Fire department personnel assisted the resident at 505 Woodrow Street as much as possible. No injuries were reported, and no one was displaced as a result of the second incident.
All fire units cleared the scene following the incidents.
