Asheville -- April 25, 2026: A massive structure fire late Thursday night has dealt another blow to one of Asheville's most resilient music venues. Flames broke out at the former Asheville Waste Paper Company building at 304 Lyman Street, a site recently designated as the new permanent home for Salvage Station.
The Asheville Fire Department (AFD) received the emergency call at approximately 11:10 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Upon arrival, crews discovered heavy fire venting from the second floor of the industrial structure.
Defensive Response and Challenges
Due to the building’s condition—which had already been flagged as a "do not enter" structure by the fire marshal because of existing hazards and holes in the flooring—firefighters were forced to take a defensive stance. Approximately 14 fire trucks responded to the scene, utilizing aerial apparatus to pour water on the blaze from above.
Containment: The fire was declared under control by 4:52 AM Friday.
Casualties: AFD officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Ongoing Monitoring: Crews returned to the site Friday morning at 8:15 AM to address active hot spots and smoke identified via drone surveillance.
A Community Landmark in the Crosshairs
The Lyman Street property is a staple of the River Arts District (RAD), famous for its vibrant street art, most notably the "Homer-Bender" mashup mural. While initial reports from the scene suggest some of the exterior artwork survived the heat, the building itself sustained significant fire damage, particularly to the upper levels.
A String of Setbacks for Salvage Station
Owners Danny McClinton and Katie Hild had only announced their plans for the Lyman Street site in November 2025. The move was meant to be a "comeback" after years of uncertainty:
I-26 Connector: The original Salvage Station on Riverside Drive was slated for removal to make way for the highway project.
Tropical Storm Helene: While the venue intended to finish the 2024 season at its original home, the historic flooding from Helene in September 2024 devastated the Riverside Drive property early.
The Lyman Street location, a 13.5-acre site, was intended to be transformed into a major indoor music venue and community hub.
Investigation Ongoing
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Asheville Fire Department. As of Saturday morning, investigators have not released information regarding a potential point of origin or cause.