Developing story
An apparent lightning strike caused a fire in part of the old ice house at Main and Franklin streets this afternoon (Friday).
Whiteville Fire Department and other first responders are on the scene.
There are no reports of injuries. Streets are blocked in the vicinity of East Main and Franklin while crews work to extinguish the blaze and secure the scene.
The smoke was visible throughout downtown, and the fire could be smelled for blocks, despite the heavy rain. The fire apparently started after a series of lightning strikes across the city around 3:15 p.m.
