Statesville, Jan. 17, A fire which began at 1:30 o’clock this morning was raging over an area of three blocks here, and efforts of the firemen were nullified by a strong south wind. The sections which are burning include South Center, Steele, and Meeting Streets up to the railroad tracks. Buildings in the area consist of residences and business houses, the Powell Tobacco factory being among the burning buildings.
Under Control
At 2:45 a.m., the fire was under control after one block between Center and Meeting Sts. Had been completely destroyed. Other sections were protected by firemen and a strong wind is making the task a hard one.
Seven negro and three white residences as well as several negro business establishments have been destroyed. A local hostelry, the Henry House, has been destroyed, and also the Wallace Brothers warehouse, formerly a tobacco warehouse.
The fire originated in Nicholson’s pressing club, a negro establishment on South Center street, north of the depot, and is believed to have started from a defective flue.
At 3 o’clock this morning the local firemen believed they could control the situation, although the fire was still burning and a rather brisk wind was blowing. The Mooresville fire department has been called to assist the Statesville fire fighters, but had not arrived at that hour. The flames are being confined to their present area and further spread has been stopped, although a shift in the winds might change the situation.
The scene of the fire is on the edge of the main business district and so far has not endangered any of the principal business structures.
Estimates of the damage caused so far were not available with any degree of accuracy, but it is thought the damage may total between $50,000 and $100,000 if the flames are held within their present bounds.
From the front page of The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C., January 17, 1923
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