SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Twelve firefighters are recovering after a home exploded during a firefight Monday evening in Salisbury. Chief Bob Parnell told Queen City News he’s relieved none of their injuries were life-threatening.
Around 4:56 p.m., the Salisbury Fire Department was dispatched to the 1100 block of Laurel Street in reference to a structure fire. When crews arrived four minutes later, they noticed heavy fire throughout the rear of the single-family home.
As fire personnel worked to extinguish the flames, there was an explosion inside the home, causing the roof to collapse. During a news conference, Parnell said his crews were doing exactly what they were supposed to when the explosion occurred.
“They were on the roof cutting holes. They were dragging hose lines from the front to the back to extinguish the fire. And they were searching for the occupants,” said Parnell.
Richard Washington owns the home that was leveled by the fire and subsequent explosion. His mother and sister were hospitalized for their injuries.
“My family’s alive. We got out safely. I mean, it could have been worse. I mean, my family made it out safely,” said Washington.
Chief Pernell said eight people were displaced from the home and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The injured firefighters, who made up half of the city’s on-duty force, were released from the hospital sometime on Monday night. Officials say several individuals will remain under supervision as a precaution. The injuries ranged from sprains and bruising to concussions.
“Most of them just wanted to, one, check on how everybody else was doing. They care about others and their coworkers. They cared about the civilians. They want to know how the civilians were, and they said, ‘I’m ready to get back on the truck tonight,’” added Parnell.
What caused the fire and explosion remains under investigation. The Salisbury Fire Investigation Taskforce is leading the investigation with support from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) and the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal (NCOSFM).
Since house fires typically increase during the winter months, the Salisbury Fire Department is encouraging residents to remain proactive about home safety, including being mindful of heating sources, seasonal decorations, and the safety needs of elderly individuals and pets.