Several homes were damaged in a fire in Southern Pines

What was initially reported as an exterior fire developed into a structure fire that caused varying degrees of damage to five apartments. The 911 call came in at 5:59 a.m. Saturday at an apartment complex at 135 Murray Hill Road in Southern Pines.

By the time the first units arrived, the fire had spread throughout the building and the rear of the two-story apartment. Southern Pines Fire Chief Mike Cameron reported that the fire spread through the back of the unit and into the attic, allowing it to affect adjacent apartments.

All residents were able to evacuate the building safely. The Red Cross was contacted to assist them.

The greatest damage occurred in an apartment where the fire broke out outside. All five apartments suffered smoke and water damage, and some were damaged by fire.

The fire was under control after about an hour. Murray Hill Road was completely closed.

The firefighter is investigating the cause of the fire.

Fire departments from Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Pinebluff, Whispering Pines, Fort Liberty and the NC Forest Service responded, along with Moore County EMS and Southern Pines Police.

~Article, photos and video by Sandhills Sentinel Editor BJ Goodridge.