Mount Olive, N.C. – A potential disaster was swiftly averted early this morning thanks to the rapid response of local firefighters, who contained a structure fire at the former Mount Olive Rescue building before it could cause significant damage.

Just after dawn, units from Mount Olive, Calypso, and Dudley fire departments, along with EMS Station 9, were dispatched to the 600 block of Northwest Center Street following a report of a possible structure fire. The alarm was raised by a Mount Olive firefighter who noticed smoke rising from the roof of the vacant building and immediately called it in.

Upon arrival, crews accessed the structure through the bay doors and located the source of the fire near the back of the building. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames, successfully preventing the blaze from spreading and safeguarding equipment stored inside.

The fire was traced to a malfunctioning dryer situated by the back bay door. Thanks to the efficient response and coordination among the departments, the situation was brought under control within an hour.

No injuries were reported, and the building sustained only minor damage.