A Wednesday morning fire caused significant damage to a building that housed both a residence and a small business in downtown Southern Pines.
Fire crews were called to the 200 block of South Bennett Street around 9 a.m. after reports of smoke and flames coming from the structure. When the first units arrived, they found heavy fire conditions already spreading through the building.
Officials said no one was injured, but three cats remain unaccounted for.
According to property records, the building dates back to the 1880s.
South Bennett Street was shut down for several hours while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control and ensure no hot spots remained.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
