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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Two homes were destroyed at the North Carolina coast when a massive fire broke out Saturday afternoon on Emerald Isle.
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The fire on the Carteret County island was reported just after 4:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of Ocean Drive, according to the Emerald Isle Fire Department.
By the time fire crews arrived at the scene, heavy flames were reported, and officials closed Ocean Drive.
An explosion followed by a massive fireball was caught on video, while the blaze also damaged at least three surrounding homes, according to the Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department.
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Photo courtesy: Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department -
Photo courtesy: Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department -
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Photo courtesy: Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department -
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Photo courtesy: Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department -
Photo courtesy: Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department -
Photo courtesy: Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department -
Photo courtesy: Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department -
Aerial video showed that two homes — located beside each other — were gutted by the fire, although it’s unclear where the blaze originated.
There were no reports of injuries.
Emerald Isle is located at the western end of Bogue Banks, a 21-mile barrier island generally facing south, about 60 miles southwest of Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks.
Agencies that responded to the fire included the following: Emerald Isle, Indian Beach-Salter Path, Western Carteret, Atlantic Beach and Pine Knoll Shores.
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