By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

A Rowan County fire investigator says two early Thursday morning fires in Rockwell and Granite Quarry, respectively, remain undetermined. One of the homes was vacant and the other was called in by the homeowner, who evacuated safely.

According to investigator Mark Troublefield, a mobile home at 714 China Grove Highway, Rockwell, just off Rogers Street, caught fire sometime around 2 a.m. The owner said she had not lived on the property in two months. The mobile home was completely reduced to rubble except for one wall that remained, Troublefield said.

He said since the home was so damaged there’s “no way to tell what caused the fire.” A neighbor spotted the flames and called 911. The following fire agencies responded — Rockwell City, Rockwell Rural, Faith, Granite Quarry, Gold Hill, Bostian Heights, Liberty, Union, South Salisbury and Pooletown. Additionally, Rowan EMS and Rowan Rescue Squad responded.

Fire crews returned to the mobile home around 6 a.m. after a remaining wall reignited from burning embers.

The second fire occurred around 2:30 a.m. at 329 Crowell Lane, off Brookwood Drive, in Granite Quarry. The homeowner woke up to the smell of smoke. He called 911 to say there was a fire in his basement.

He was the only one at the home was able to get out of the home without injury. Fire investigators determined the fire originated on a workbench and was caused by some type of small appliance. The fire was contained to the basement, but is still under investigation.

The following agencies responded: Granite Quarry, Union, South Salisbury, Rockwell City and Salisbury City fire departments, as well as the American Red Cross, Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office, Rowan County EMS and Rowan Rescue Squad.