SALISBURY, NC – A fire at Salisbury Millwork, a supplier of cabinetry and wood trim, killed two firefighters on March 8, according to The Charlotte Observer. The fire also injured at least three other firefighters. Leon Mabe, vice president of Salisbury Millwork, said an employee noticed the fire as he was clocking in. Mabe said firefighters told him between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. that the fire had been contained in the showroom. The fire then spread to the production side of the building.
“Less than 30 minutes after we left, it was engulfed,” Mabe said.
The state fire marshal, the State Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating.
By midday, the building walls had collapsed, the storage facility that housed wood and a work area was destroyed and company offices were scorched. Mabe said the company, which employs 34 people, will stay in business. “We’re a resilient bunch. We’re going to get us a facility and we’re going to fulfill our contracts,” he said.
In related news, the owners and president of Salisbury Millwork are looking into the possibility of rebuilding the factory, according to News14.com. Norde Wilson, president of the company said he was looking at potential sites to rebuild the business. Wilson’s wife, Kay, owns the plant along with other members of her family. The Wilsons said they want to do what is best for the business, its employees and the community. Read more.
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