Flames are clearly visible from the Alleghany EMS building in these photos taken at just after 6 p.m. The building was heavily damaged by the fire, but both main ambulances were out on calls at the time of the fire. Photo by Coby LaRue

EMS building damaged by fire

Fire rampaged through the Alleghany Emergency Medical Services Building last Friday evening, claiming two back-up ambulances and causing an estimated $450,000 in damages.

Local fire departments were dispatched at 5:55 p.m. and firefighters from the Sparta-Alleghany Fire Department were on the scene in about four minutes—the EMS building is located at 40 Cox St. in Sparta, just a few feet from the fire department building.

Despite the rapid response time, the flames had already breached the metal building's roof and side windows and caused significant damage to the interior and the two back-up ambulances that were located in the building's bays. However, both were removed from the building and at least one was driven out, heavily smoke and heat damaged, from the building after firefighters had knocked down the flames.

The two remaining ambulances, units 1101 and 1102, were out on calls at the time of the fire. No one was in the building when the fire broke out, but staff members at the scene reported leaving shortly after 5 p.m. and not noticing any smell of smoke or anything unusual.

An electrical failure near the ambulance bay of the building is being blamed for a blaze. County Manager Don Adams said Monday night that the fire appears to have started in the wall of the building from an electrical wire.

He stressed that the fire was not caused in any way by EMS employees or any human error. "Basically the wiring in that building is old," he said, noting that the insulation on an electrical wire likely was compromised, causing a short-circuit that is being blamed for starting the fire. He said Fire Chief Terry McGrady pointed out the likely source of the fire to him at the scene.

The wire that started the fire was in the wall of one of the EMS sleeping quarters, which shared a wall with the garage bay where the ambulances were parked.

High winds blew smoke across town and fire from the building could be seen from a distance. However, McGrady said firemen had the fire knocked down and were mopping up hot spots within an hour.

Also responding to the scene were firemen from Cherry Lane, Piney Creek and Glade Creek volunteer fire departments, the Alleghany Rescue Squad, Alleghany Sheriff's Office and the Sparta Police Department. The Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department and Galax, Va. were put on standby.

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