Just after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue, along with our automatic aid partners, responded to a reported structure fire on McLeod Street in Vass. Responding partners included Southern Pines Fire/Rescue, Whispering Pines Fire/Rescue, Moore County EMS, Vass Police Department, Moore County Public Safety, and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.

At the time of dispatch, Cypress Pointe personnel were already handling a medical call in Vass with our Quick Response Vehicle (QRV). Engine 211 initially responded with two firefighters, followed closely by the QRV with two additional personnel.

Upon arrival, the officer on Engine 211—our first arriving engine—reported a well-involved fire in a single-story residence, with heavy fire throughout much of the living area and extending into the attic. The homeowner met firefighters outside and confirmed that no one else was inside. Two attack lines were deployed in a transitional attack, applying water from the exterior before pushing inside. Firefighters encountered extremely high heat conditions as they advanced into the structure, knocking down fire in the living areas and pulling ceiling to access fire running the attic space.

Engine 221 arrived shortly thereafter, secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant, and assisted with interior fire attack. As additional engines and rescues arrived on scene, their crews were also assigned to suppression operations. Interior crews encountered gas-powered equipment stored inside the residence that had developed leaks due to the high heat, adding complexity to extinguishment efforts.

The incident commander requested a second alarm; however, it was cancelled prior to arrival as first-alarm crews brought the fire under control.

Seven Lakes Fire Department responded with the Air Truck to refill firefighter air bottles, and Aberdeen Fire Department provided district coverage from CPFR Station 1 until Cypress Pointe units returned to service.

Moore County Public Safety and the N.C. SBI are conducting the fire investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

One firefighter sustained a minor knee injury during operations and was transported to the hospital.