Dunrovin Country Store and Deli in Vass was heavily damaged by a four-alarm fire Saturday evening, prompting a large response from fire departments across Moore County and surrounding areas.
The fire was reported around 6:30 p.m. at the business along U.S. 1. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from throughout the building as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.
The store was closed at the time of the fire. The business owner told Moore County News at the scene that everyone was out of the building and no animals were at the business when the fire broke out.
According to Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue, extreme heat contributed to difficult conditions for firefighters, with multiple crews working four separate attack lines to locate, contain and extinguish the fire.
The building’s multiple additions, different construction methods and numerous compartmentalized areas also complicated the response, according to the department. Firefighters had to chase the fire through different areas of the structure, pulling ceilings and opening walls as they worked to fully extinguish it.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries during the response and were treated at the scene by Moore County EMS. None required additional treatment, and all three have since returned to full duty, according to Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue.
Firefighters spent hours battling the fire and working to extinguish hotspots before clearing the scene just before 1 a.m. Sunday, more than six hours after the fire was first reported. Heavy fire damage could be seen on the back side and upstairs portion of the building.
The response grew to four alarms, bringing resources from across Moore County and neighboring areas. Fire departments responding included Cypress Pointe, Southern Pines, Whispering Pines, Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Carthage, Crains Creek, Eastwood, West End, Fort Bragg, Hillcrest in Hoke County and Tramway in Lee County. Moore County EMS also responded.
First responders thanked Bob’s Pizza of Vass, Dollar General of Vass, Little Caesars of Vass and McDonald’s of Carthage for providing food and refreshments to crews working at the scene.
The southbound lanes of U.S. 1 reopened around 1 a.m. Sunday after being closed for more than six hours as crews worked at the scene. Northbound lanes remained open throughout the incident.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known and is currently under investigation.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
