A late-night electrical fire at Kinston Towers has forced the move of almost 150 residents — and they could be away from their homes for up to 10 days.
An automatic alarm brought four units from the Kinston Department of Public Safety’s fire division to the tallest structure in Lenoir County at 511 N. Queen St., around 11:45 p.m., Tuesday, said KDPS Director Bill Johnson. The 11-story building is managed by the Kinston Housing Authority and includes 148 units of low-income housing.
“Crews began their investigation by going to the second floor,” Johnson said. “They found a panel box that was just slightly warm; no odor, no smoke, nothing going on. They checked that out and called for Housing Authority maintenance people to come in.”
While waiting for maintenance to arrive, two of the four fire units were sent back to their stations.
“Wisely, the commander held two of the units at the scene because he didn’t feel comfortable,” Johnson said.
Not long after maintenance units arrived, a loud boom was heard in the room and a fire started.
“At that point, they started evacuating the building and extinguishing operations,” Johnson said. “Fortunately, there were no injuries.”
There were almost 150 people evacuated from the building; Johnson said some were picked up by family members, but the remainder was taken to the Fairfield Recreation Center, 800 Greenbriar Road, about 1.25 miles away. The local Red Cross unit, along with KHA, EMS and Kinston/Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department officials, are assisting the displaced Kinston Towers residents at Fairfield.
The fire and the resulting damage were contained to the second-floor mechanical room, Johnson said. However, heavy smoke went throughout the building.
“Electricians on the scene are advising the best case scenario is three days; worst case is 10 days or so before the building is operational again,” Johnson said. “That room has to be, essentially, rebuilt.”
Bryan C. Hanks can be reached at 252-559-1074 or at Bryan.Hanks@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCHanks.
