Early Morning Fire Engulfs Webb Road Flea Market
The fire broke out around 3:45 a.m., engulfing two buildings on the back and left sides of the facility. By 4:00 a.m., the intensity of the blaze prompted officials to escalate to a third alarm. Fire departments from across Rowan County responded to the emergency, dispatching more than a dozen tanker trucks. These tankers formed a rotation, drawing water from a hydrant across the I-85 bridge and delivering it to the fire scene to feed hoses and aerial ladders.As dawn approached, vendors continued to arrive, hoping to sell their goods, only to be met with fire crews and extensive damage. The central building was reportedly consumed by the flames, leaving its contents destroyed. However, a nearby brick structure appeared to remain intact as of 6:00 a.m. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Fire officials emphasized that it was too early to determine the cause of the fire.This devastating event adds to a troubling history of fires at the market, with similar incidents recorded in 2010 and 2013 that nearly leveled the facility. The extent of the damage from this fire remains unclear, as firefighters continued battling hot spots and flare-ups throughout the morning.One vendor, who lives nearby and operates an outdoor stand, expressed her hope that her items were spared. Meanwhile, other vendors parked along Leach Road with trucks loaded with merchandise or empty vehicles ready for the day, stood watching the destruction unfold. Their faces reflected a mixture of shock, worry, and helplessness as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.
The fire broke out around 3:45 a.m., engulfing two buildings on the back and left sides of the facility. By 4:00 a.m., the intensity of the blaze prompted officials to escalate to a third alarm. Fire departments from across Rowan County responded to the emergency, dispatching more than a dozen tanker trucks. These tankers formed a rotation, drawing water from a hydrant across the I-85 bridge and delivering it to the fire scene to feed hoses and aerial ladders.As dawn approached, vendors continued to arrive, hoping to sell their goods, only to be met with fire crews and extensive damage. The central building was reportedly consumed by the flames, leaving its contents destroyed. However, a nearby brick structure appeared to remain intact as of 6:00 a.m. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Fire officials emphasized that it was too early to determine the cause of the fire.This devastating event adds to a troubling history of fires at the market, with similar incidents recorded in 2010 and 2013 that nearly leveled the facility. The extent of the damage from this fire remains unclear, as firefighters continued battling hot spots and flare-ups throughout the morning.One vendor, who lives nearby and operates an outdoor stand, expressed her hope that her items were spared. Meanwhile, other vendors parked along Leach Road with trucks loaded with merchandise or empty vehicles ready for the day, stood watching the destruction unfold. Their faces reflected a mixture of shock, worry, and helplessness as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.
