Staff report

KANNAPOLIS — Fire destroyed a large workshop off Brantley Avenue Saturday night, but firefighters succeeded in keeping damage to adjacent homes to a minimum.

Firefighters responded around 8:30 p.m. to a 911 call at 516 Florence Ave., which is between Lane Street and Brantley Avenue, west of Interstate 85.

The wood frame workshop in back of the home was totally engulfed in flames and beginning to cave in, according to Randall Faggart, division chief of risk reduction.

Firefighters concentrated on keeping the flames from spreading to homes beside and behind the shop.

Damage was limited to melted siding on two of the homes.

Residents of a home in back of the shop kept close watch on embers flying toward their home.

"They were pretty much trying to keep the embers out," said Faggart.

The residents of 514 Florence Ave. were not home.

The home and workshop at 516 Florence Ave. are owned by David Reed and rented to Boyd Ewing.

Faggart said Ewing had apparently been working in the shop earlier. At some point, his wife heard some noise, looked out and saw the shop in flames.

Ewing had been doing a paint job on a trailer.

Ewing estimated the loss at $50,000, including the building and equipment.

Faggart said Ewing did not appear to have any insurance and it was unclear whether the owner had insurance to cover the loss.

Firefighters used five pieces of equipment from the city department, along with one unit from Landis and one from Odell.

In addition, Landis, China Grove, Odell and Coldwater fire departments moved up to cover Kannapolis stations under the mutual aid agreement.

Some fire units were released around 11 p.m., with others expected to remain for another hour.