Hit And Run Accident Injury Attorneys in Morganton, NC

MORGANTON, N.C. (WBTV) - A massive two-day fire burned 147 acres and over 500 cars in Burke County this weekend.

According to government officials, the fire began around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, along Old Amherst Road in Morganton.

The fire displaced five residents and destroyed five structures, officials said.

As of this writing, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Editor note: At 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, North Carolina Forest Service officials said 147 acres were burned. The acreage size varies throughout the timeline below based on what authorities reported at specific times.

By 5 p.m., the blaze shut down Old Amherst Road between Smokey Creek Road and Dogwood Vista and expanded, eventually burning 160 acres.

As the fire grew, the fire marshal said one structure was destroyed, displacing five residents.

No mandatory evacuations were called and the fire was about 50% contained.

By 8 p.m., officials reported the fire was 70% contained and burned 180 acres.

A second structure was destroyed by this time along with several vacant mobile homes on the property.

Fire officials estimated over 100 cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles “sustained heavy damage,” though no injuries were reported.

About 150 emergency responders helped control the fire from 25 fire departments.

By 10:30 p.m., all fire departments were cleared with the Burke County fire marshal and emergency management expected to follow suit by 11 p.m.

Officials advised the North Carolina Forest Service to remain at the fire overnight to monitor the area.

By noon the next day, officials said another fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. but was extinguished before crews were moved to yet another fire that involved several vehicles, propane tanks, and other materials.

Another structure was destroyed sometime amid these breakout fires, totaling three.

As firefighters worked, the area was closed to traffic.

By 9 p.m., fire investigators were cleared from the scene.

Officials reported several other breakout fires throughout Sunday, all of which were contained.

A total of five structures (four mobile homes) were destroyed with five people displaced and over 500 vehicles were burned, reports stated.

Officials final update stated that Burke County increased to a “Very High” fire danger level.

“The Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind citizens and visitors that the statewide, local, and U.S. Forest Service - National Forests (in North Carolina) burn bans remain in effect until further notice,” a spokesperson wrote.

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The city touts the location's features, including a mezzanine bar and back deck.

MORGANTON, N.C. — Restaurateurs are being sought by the city of Morganton to fill a unique space in the downtown area.

On Wednesday, the city shared it was looking for experienced restaurant pros to take on the location at 112 West Union Street to bring in new flavors downtown. The 5,000 sq. ft. property, currently owned by the city, features seating for 75 on its first floor and a second floor with a mezzanine bar, plus a covered back deck to accommodate up to 80 guests. The building comes equipped with an operational walk-in cooler, freezer and hood systems.

“Downtown Morganton is a thriving hub with a rich blend of retail, entertainment, and cultural attractions,” said Sharon Jablonski, Director of Cultural and Creative Development for the City of Morganton. “We are seeking a visionary restaurateur who can create a unique dining experience that complements our existing offerings and contributes to the long-term success of our downtown.”

The city notes that Downtown Morganton is a designated Main Street Community and features a diverse retail scene, a recently-revitalized courthouse square and a growing culinary landscape.

Proposals should show a strong concept, a sound business plan, a commitment to engage with the community, and proven experience in restaurant operations. Minimum requirements include operating for at least five days per week, offering at least two distinct meal services per day, demonstrating qualified staffing, and showing a willingness to work within the context of downtown buildings.

Interested restaurateurs should review the request for proposal before moving forward. While there's no hard deadline for applications, the request period will remain open until a restaurant is secured.

Anyone with questions, a request for assistance, or who wishes to schedule a site visit can call Jablonski at (828) 443-0886.

The city notes it reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or to negotiate modifications, as deemed necessary to serve the best interests of its citizens and the revitalization of Downtown Morganton.

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Ingles Market in Morganton won’t be reopening in March.

The Morganton Ingles was expected to reopen in March, Store Manager Keith Flynn said previously. The store has been closed since Hurricane Helene caused flooding in late September.

Flynn said Feb. 20 it may be April or May before the store reopens to shoppers. He said there has been an issue with getting equipment, so the reopening date is uncertain.

The Morganton Ingles Market is one of a number of businesses in Burke County that was forced to close due to damage caused when Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina. Several feet of water flooded the grocery store on Carbon City Road. After the hurricane, the store’s equipment, shelving and perishable food were removed, and the interior was emptied. The company planned to give the store a remodel before opening.

Flynn said the concrete floor has been cut out to run all the piping and wiring for the new freezers, refrigerators, and new area for produce and the deli.

“It’s getting close to where it’s supposed to be,” Flynn said.

The pharmacy and meat departments will be about where they were before, Flynn said.

The Starbucks kiosk will be located where it was, with produce behind it and to the right, he said. He said the produce section will extend to where aisles 3 and 4 were previously located.

The floral department will be to the left of the Starbucks kiosk, he said.

The deli and bakery will be where the produce department was previously, in the right front corner of the store, with tables and an eating area next to the deli, Flynn said.

The aisles will shift to the left and the frozen foods section will be near the pharmacy entrance, he said.

“It will be a nice layout, I think,” Flynn said.

The 230 full- and part-time employees were placed at other stores, from Marion and Black Mountain to Lincolnton and Dallas, until the Morganton store reopens, Flynn said.

“All my employees are really anxious to get back to it,” Flynn said.

Among those employees, 10 moved on to other jobs. Flynn said he expects the store will hold a job fair when ready to reopen.

“We’ll definitely have to hire people, because I expect to do more business,” Flynn said.

When the employees and customers come back to the remodeled store, there will be new cash registers, Flynn said. The store will still offer self-checkout.

“I’m excited for when it starts and get back and get going again,” Flynn said. “It will be good to see some old faces.”

The Morganton store is one of four across the company that was forced to close due to damage from the hurricane. The other three locations were Swannanoa, Newland and Spruce Pine.

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