Hickory firefighters respond to house fire

At approximately 9:27 a.m. Wednesday, Hickory firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire located in the area of 900 20th Street NW. (The address was later confirmed to be 950 20th Street NW.) While on the way to the incident, firefighters reported smoke. On arrival just minutes later, they reported heavy amounts of smoke and fire coming from house and two vehicles parked beside the house.  

Firefighters searched the building to ensure all occupants were outside and worked to extinguish the fire. During the extinguishment process, firefighters noticed the roof of the structure was unstable. For the safety purposes, firefighters worked from the exterior of the house to extinguish the fire.   

Hickory Fire Department responded with three engines, one ladder, one rescue truck, and two command units. Long View Fire Department also responded to the scene, as well as Catawba County EMS, Hickory Police, and the Red Cross.    

Fire Investigators from Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire started in a vehicle beside the house and the fire was determined to be accidental.