Residents escape fire on Slocumb Street
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on April 29, 2004 2:06 PM
A predawn fire that heavily damaged a home at 502 S. Slocumb St. was turned over to law authorities for a further investigation.
One firefighter, Lt. Frank Sasser of Fremont, was overcome while fighting the blaze, and the listed occupant, Charity Green, also was hospitalized for an ailment not related to the fire.
Sasser and Ms. Green were listed today in stable condition at Wayne Memorial Hospital, a spokeswoman said.
News-Argus/Dennis Hill
Goldsboro firemen check the back of the house for hot spots.
A smoke detector alerted Ms. Green and several other residents who escaped the fire that caused an estimated $35,000 in damages.
The fire "appeared to have started on an outside wall and burned inward," Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Langston said.
"It was suspicious in origin," Langston said. "The rear of the home was fully involved on our arrival. The firemen did an excellent job in stopping it in the rear of the house. Then we did a primary search, but everyone was outside."
Damage was estimated at $20,000 to the 1,600-square-foot home and $15,000 to contents, Langston said. The home, owned by Willie Worrells of 506 S. Slocumb St., was valued at $50,000. Contents were valued at $20,000.
Fifteen firefighters answered the 1:30 a.m. alarm with three engines, a ladder and a command car. They needed 2 hours and 20 minutes to put out the fire, investigate the cause and finish salvage work. They also returned to the home later this morning to put out hot spots.
Goldsboro police put up yellow evidence tape around the small home with blue siding to keep curiosity seekers away.
Police Investigator G.N. Lynch and Special Agent John Rea of the State Bureau of Investigation were sifting through the debris today in an attempt to determine the cause of the fire.