Goldsboro fire report
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on June 13, 2004 2:06 AM
A fire that destroyed the Wayne County Memorial Community Building at 239 E. Walnut St. was one of 187 fire or service calls that the Goldsboro Fire Department answered in May.
Firefighters responded to only one other major structural fire in May, Chief Bobby Greenfield wrote in his monthly report.
The cause of the Community Building fire could not be determined after a two-week investigation by Goldsboro police and the State Bureau of Investigation.
The 79-year-old building had been constructed to honor those who died in World War I. Veterans from later wars also were honored.
After the first group of firefighters answered the 1 p.m. call, additional off-duty firefighters were summoned from other shifts.
Damage was estimated at $1.5 million to the building that was valued at $1.7 million. Contents, valued at $49,000, also were destroyed. Only about $1,000 worth of contents was saved, but these included the memorial wall plaques.
The fire rekindled the next morning and had to be put out.
Firefighters also were summoned May 8 to put out a fire in a bathroom. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
The only other major fire in the month occurred May 7 at the McDonald's restaurant at 2002 Wayne Memorial Drive. A grease cooker caught on fire. The predawn blaze was confined to the kitchen. Damages to contents were estimated at $10,000.
The building, valued at $500,000, was not damaged. Contents were valued at $200,000. The business was reopened later in the morning.
Greenfield said Fire Department personnel also participated in 453 hours of company training and 1,759 hours of individual training in May.
Department training was conducted in physical ability tests, bloodborne pathogens and drill tower evolution.
Company training was held in methodology, Knox box locations, thermal imaging, sprinkler connections, personal protective equipment skills, standard operating guidelines, pump skills, street locations, air bags, survival skills and aerial skills.
Routine maintenance of stations and equipment also were conducted.