By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

Investigators say an early morning fire that heavily damaged a Sills Drive home appears to have been intentionally set.

The fire started shortly after 2 a.m. Monday in the carport at 109 Sills Drive, off Stokes Ferry Road, Fire Marshal Terry Smith said.

 

He said the fire started in one of the family’s cars, caught the next vehicle on fire and spread to the house. The family, which includes two brothers, were able to get out of the home when they heard the smoke alarms sound.

Smith said there were three people in the home and all made it out safely.

“The early indication is arson because of the time the call came in and how the fire started,” he said.

Smith did not elaborate any further on how the fire started, but did say the Salisbury Police Departments was called and is also investigating.

He estimated 50 percent of the home was damaged by fire, with the rest damaged by smoke.

Salisbury City Fire Department responded, as did Granite Quarry Fire and Faith Fire departments. Rowan EMS and Rowan County Rescue Squad also responded. Smith said an ambulance was called because responders were not immediately sure everyone had gotten out of the house.

The occupants refused assistance from the American Red Cross and said they had a place to stay. Smith said the residents said they just moved into the home April 1.

Salisbury Police investigators continue to look into the matter. No other details were available Monday afternoon.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.