Entire EMS operation shut down in NC town after fire destroys rescue truck, damages building

A late-night fire at the Roseboro Rescue and EMS station destroyed one truck and severely damaged the building on Tuesday night.

A passing driver notified 911 about a fire inside the building around 11:30 p.m. There were no paramedics or staff inside.

When firefighters arrived, the rescue truck was already fully engulfed in flames.

The fire completely destroyed the EMS rescue truck, and sources told WRAL News the building is not usable in its present condition.

Now, Fire Chief Adam Pearsall is scrambling to get the station in Sampson County back up and running.

The loss was devastating, not only for the volunteer firefighters, but for the entire community.

"Right now the operation here in Roseboro has been shut down," said Pearsall. "It's been shifted to Clinton and Salemburg."

Roseboro Rescue serves the communities of Roseboro and Salemburg, both of which are located in the western portion of Sampson County, covering around 300 square miles. They only had two ambulances, according to their website, so losing one means half of their capacity is gone.

They're calling on the community for financial support to get the building back up and running. Donations can be sent to Roseboro Rescue & EMS, PO Box 891, Roseboro, NC 28382.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.