01-07-2014 Fire at Old R.L. Stowe Mills Building

Battalion Chief Charles Patton said the small fire was located on the second floor of the vacant building. Once located, the fire was extinguished quickly. Since the building is in the process of being demolished, no dollar loss will be attributed to the fire. Though the firefighters had to endure bone-chilling temperatures, no injuries were reported. Neighbors told firefighters that they have seen homeless people in the building. Lt. Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division said the fire was most likely caused by a homeless person using a warming fire, which burned a hole in the wooden floor.