A fire at the Peachtree Townhomes in Goldsboro, presumed accidentally sparked by an electronic device, has left several residents without a home, authorities reported on Sunday. The Goldsboro Fire Department arrived at a visibly blazing scene on the second floor and rooftop of a seven-unit townhome building around 6:20 p.m., with flames initially reported at unit B, as CBS17 stated.
The damage was largely contained to four adjacent homes, leaving a child and five adults without shelter and estimated losses amounting to $100,000. A firefighter sustained minor injuries during the containment efforts, which were executed promptly to prevent further spread. According to a WITN report, the fire is believed to have been accidentally ignited by an electronic device.
Amidst the chaos, a story of heroism emerged as Patrick Jones, a Raleigh man in the vicinity to visit his mother, rescued an elderly resident from the engulfed structure. "There was an older elderly man in apartment C. There was nothing but straight smoke behind him. So, I just helped him get out of the house," Jones recounted the incident to CBS17. After ensuring the man was safe, Jones continued to alert other residents by knocking on doors.
The fire department has since been able to quickly investigate the scene and confirm that the cause was accidental, offering some relief amid a traumatic experience for those affected. The displaced are currently being assisted by community efforts, as the recovery process commences amidst the holiday season. Detailed accounts of the event and further updates on the residents' situation can be tracked through local reports from CBS17 and WITN.
