A fast-moving fire tore through a single-story duplex on Union Heights Boulevard near Interstate 85 in Salisbury on Monday, April 6, killing a child and a man despite an aggressive rescue attempt by first responders. Crews reached the burning home, pulled both victims out and rushed them to the hospital, but emergency teams were ultimately unable to save them. The blaze caused heavy damage to the duplex and drew a multi-department response.
Firefighters race in, pull victims from burning duplex
Rowan County officials said fire crews arrived at the single-story duplex within about four minutes and found the home already “heavily involved” in flames, which made the search inside far more dangerous and difficult. Firefighters located an unconscious man and a child inside the unit and removed them so EMS crews could begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital. Both victims later died from their injuries, according to WBTV.
Victims rushed to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
The man and child were transported to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury, the area’s primary emergency hospital. The facility’s information page notes that the center provides 24/7 emergency care and trauma stabilization services for Rowan County residents, according to Novant Health.
Cause of deadly fire still under investigation
Investigators have not yet determined what sparked the deadly blaze. Officials said multiple departments are working the scene to pinpoint the origin and cause. The fire was declared under control shortly after firefighters arrived, and off-duty personnel were called in to bolster crews on the ground, according to WBTV. Authorities said the victims had not been publicly identified in the initial round of reports.
Fire risk context in Rowan County
Rowan County has grappled with several serious residential fires in recent years, with county fire officials typically leading origin-and-cause investigations. Local reporting has highlighted previous multi-department responses and extended probes into structure fires, underscoring the risks associated with older housing stock in the area, as noted by the Salisbury Post. Officials said they plan to release more information about the Union Heights Boulevard fire as it becomes available.
