SALISBURY, N.C. — Eleven firefighters and two other people were injured Monday evening when a house fire in North Carolina’s Piedmont region erupted into an explosion that blew out walls and lifted the roof, officials said.
Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell said none of the firefighters’ injuries were believed to be life-threatening, but they were being treated for contusions, concussions, and smoke inhalation. Two civilians were also taken to a hospital, though Parnell said he did not know their conditions or whether they had been inside the home when the fire broke out.
Crews enter engulfed home before blast
The Salisbury Fire Department was called to the single-family house around 5 p.m. Monday and arrived to find it engulfed in flames.
Parnell said 22 firefighters responded to the scene, and about half of them went inside to search for anyone who might be trapped and to “get water on that fire.” It was during those interior operations that the house exploded.
“It was enough force that the outside walls blew out, the roof came up and went back down,” Parnell told reporters at a news conference. Debris rained down and was thrown outward, injuring firefighters inside and near the structure.
All 11 injured firefighters were quickly pulled out, treated at the scene, and taken for further medical evaluation. Officials said the remaining firefighters shifted to a defensive attack to bring the blaze under control from outside.
Cause of Salisbury, North Carolin, a house explosion is under investigation
Authorities have not yet said what triggered the initial fire or the explosion that followed. The blast caused major structural damage, and investigators from local and state agencies are expected to examine the ruins once the site is safe to enter.
Parnell said the investigation into both the fire and the Salisbury, North Carolina, house explosion is ongoing and could take time, given the extent of the destruction.
For now, officials said their focus is on the recovery of the injured firefighters and civilians, and on gathering evidence that may reveal how an ordinary house fire turned into a powerful blast that rocked the neighborhood.
Sources:
The Charlotte Observer / Firehouse – “Eleven Firefighters Hurt in House Explosion in Salisbury, NC”
AP News – “11 firefighters and 2 other people injured after North Carolina house fire and explosion”
Neighbor Describes the Chaotic Scene
Residents in the normally quiet Salisbury neighborhood described the explosion as a terrifying and chaotic event. Sarah Mitchell, who lives two houses down from the site of the blast, said she heard a deafening noise and felt her windows rattle from the force. “It sounded like a bomb went off,” Mitchell said. “When I ran outside, all I could see was smoke and debris everywhere. The fire trucks were already there, but it was clear something had gone terribly wrong.”
She added that many neighbors rushed out of their homes to see what had happened and to check on one another. “We were all just in shock. It’s not something you ever expect to see in your neighborhood.”
Experts Warn of Potential Fire Hazards
While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, fire safety experts note that incidents like this often involve flammable materials or compromised gas lines. “Household fires can become catastrophic when they interact with gas leaks or improperly stored chemicals,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a fire safety specialist at the National Fire Protection Agency. “It’s crucial for homeowners to regularly inspect their homes for potential hazards, especially during winter months when heating systems are in use.”
Dr. Carter also emphasized the importance of ensuring that homes are equipped with working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, both of which can provide crucial early warnings in the event of an emergency. “These devices can save lives by giving people the precious seconds they need to evacuate safely,” she added.
Community Rallies to Support Injured Firefighters
In the aftermath of the explosion, the Salisbury community has come together to support the injured firefighters and their families. Local businesses and residents have begun organizing donations and fundraisers to assist with medical expenses and recovery efforts. A GoFundMe campaign launched by the Salisbury Firefighters Association had already raised over $10,000 as of Tuesday morning.
“These firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our community, and now it’s our turn to give back,” said Mark Reynolds, a local business owner who is helping organize a fundraising event. “We want them to know they’re not alone in this.”
Officials have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of community support. “The bravery and dedication displayed by our firefighters during this incident have been truly remarkable,” said Chief Parnell. “We are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our residents as we work through this difficult time.”
