Squirrels nesting in the attic of a Rowan County home may be to blame for sparking a large house fire Tuesday night, the fire marshal says.
The fire broke out at around 10 p.m. a home in the 3000 block of Bringle Ferry Road, about three miles east of Salisbury. Fire officials believe the squirrels may have chewed the electrical wires, starting the fire.
Dozens of firefighters and at least six departments responded to the scene where large flames were seen coming from the roof.
The home is owned by Ruby Goodman, a well known local businesswoman who operated Ruby's in downtown Salisbury. Goodman was not in the home at the time of the fire and no one was injured.
Neighbor Charlie Smith ran to Goodman's new home, which is next door to the one that caught fire. Smith banged on the doors and made sure no one was inside the burning home.
The house sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage. The fire marshal will be back at the house later Wednesday to continue investigating.
The house and yard are well known to locals. Years ago Mrs. Goodman planted daffodils in the shape of a large cross, and those flowers are typically in full bloom right around Easter each year.