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Pine straw is a traditional groundcover for flower beds and landscaping – but it’s also a dangerous fire hazard. Last week’s Sawmill Apartments fire has been linked to a cigarette tossed into the pine straw beds between two buildings. Damages are estimated at $1 million, and seven of eight apartments were destroyed. “Discarded smoking materials ignited the pine straw and quickly spread flames to the open stairwell between two...
Five ankle monitors owned by a bail bonding company are missing and presumed stolen, and a $1,000 reward is being offered for their return. Mark Cartret of Around the Clock Bail Bonding said the monitors and chargers are valued at around $5,000 but would be difficult for anyone to pawn or otherwise sell. “They’re really of no use to anyone,” Cartret said. Cartret’s firm is among the largest...
Seven families were displaced Friday when a major fire swept through a building at the Sawmill Apartments in Whiteville. City Fire Marshal Hal Lowder said the 3:30 p.m. fire was accidental, and was caused by discarded smoking materials. Losses were estimated at $1 million. Smoke from the fire was visible for miles, and at one point drifted across U.S. 701 to Madison Street Three requests for units were...