Flames broke out at the Bardin Produce Warehouse just after 11 p.m Tuesday night. Although fire crews worked the entire night, by Wednesday morning, there was virtually nothing left but smoke and ashes.
SBI officials are on the scene, which is typical in larger fires. The trouble is that the inside of the rubble is so hot that it is not safe or practical to start an investigation.
Sweet potatoes are usually stored in the warehouse, but no crop was on hand when the fire broke out. The wooden crates used for the sweet potatoes were inside, however, and served as fodder for the blaze.
Eleven departments from three counties fought the blaze, which at times looked to be invincible. The flames could be seen for miles around. It was one of the biggest fires in the area in years.
Firefighters had to battle both heat and fatigue, and water soon became a precious commodity. It had to be trucked in from nearby sources, and multiple trips were needed.
There are only a few homes near the structure, and firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the warehouse.
The business was located off Highway 115, just south of Wilson. ,John Clark
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