By james art A house on South Miami Boulevard in Durham caught fire Sunday afternoon, prompting road closures as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
This incident marks a repeat as it is not the first fire at this location.
The damage to the house is extensive, with the back charred and the walls exposed to the outside. The structure is essentially destroyed.
Concerns are heightened because the home is adjacent to a gas station.
The fire reportedly started around 2:30 p.m. and firefighters were able to bring it under control in about 10 minutes.
A man was in the house at the time, but escaped without injury and did not require hospitalization.
The fire could be seen from several miles away, and witnesses described the disturbing sights and smells.
A nearby resident said: “As soon as I opened the door I felt something terrible. It looked like burning tires. Thick black smoke filled the air and the smell was overwhelming.
Residents mentioned that this is the second fire at the same address in just a few months.
Durham Fire Service confirmed another incident took place on June 8, with the call being received around the same time.
The cause of today’s fire is still under investigation by Durham County Fire Service.
The Red Cross is on scene to assist the homeowner.