Significant Warehouse Fire Disrupts Asheville Industrial Area

Asheville --  A large fire erupted at a commercial warehouse located in the industrial area behind the Goodwill facility on Patton Avenue in Asheville early this morning, July 7, 2025.

The blaze, which began at approximately 4:30 AM EDT, triggered a significant response from the Asheville Fire Department and resulted in the closure of Patton Avenue for several hours, causing considerable traffic disruption in the vicinity.

Initial reports indicate that the fire was first noticed by a passing patrol officer who observed heavy smoke emanating from the large, multi-unit warehouse structure. Firefighters were dispatched immediately and upon arrival encountered significant flames visible from several points of the building. The size and intensity of the fire quickly led Incident Command to adopt a defensive firefighting strategy, focusing on containing the blaze and preventing its spread to adjacent structures.

According to Fire Chief Emily Carter, speaking at a press briefing at 9:00 AM, the building appears to have been unoccupied at the time the fire broke out. "Our initial sweeps and information from the property management suggest that no individuals were inside the warehouse when the fire started," Chief Carter stated. "Thankfully, we have received no reports of injuries to civilians or our firefighting personnel."

Firefighting efforts were hampered early on by challenges with water supply in the immediate area. This necessitated the deployment of multiple tanker trucks to shuttle water from more distant hydrants, a logistical hurdle that prolonged the initial stages of the operation. Despite this, over 50 firefighters and numerous pieces of apparatus, including multiple engines, ladder trucks, and support units, worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.

The fire raged for several hours, producing a large plume of dark smoke that was visible across Asheville and surrounding areas. Authorities advised residents downwind to take precautions, including staying indoors and closing windows, due to potential air quality concerns.

By late morning, firefighters had made significant progress in containing the main body of the fire, although hotspots continued to burn within the collapsed sections of the warehouse. Crews remained on scene throughout the day, working to fully extinguish the remaining flames and conduct overhaul operations, which involve searching for and extinguishing any hidden embers that could reignite.

The affected warehouse sustained extensive damage, with large sections of the roof and walls having collapsed. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is anticipated to be substantial. The warehouse was reportedly used for storage by several small businesses, and the loss of their inventory and equipment will likely have a significant impact.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Asheville Fire Marshal's Office. Investigators will be on scene in the coming days to examine the debris, interview potential witnesses, and attempt to determine the origin and cause of the blaze. Chief Carter noted that it is too early to speculate on the cause, but that all possibilities, including accidental and intentional ignition, would be thoroughly investigated.

Patton Avenue, which had been closed between Haywood Road and Clingman Avenue, was partially reopened to traffic in the early afternoon as the immediate danger subsided. However, authorities cautioned that lane closures may still be in effect as fire crews continue their work on the scene.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for significant structural fires in industrial areas and the dedication of first responders who work to protect the community. Further updates will be provided as the investigation into the cause of the fire progresses.

WNCTimes

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