When the first early merchants arrived at the Webb Road Flea Market to open up shop, they were shocked to see that the market was on fire.
Building B was reported to be on fire at the market around 3:40 a.m. More than a dozen tankers and fire departments from all throughout Rowan County responded.
Before lining up at the fire scene to supply hoses and aerial ladders to combat the fire, the tankers were cycled and filled with water from a hydrant across the highway bridge over I 85.
As the morning went on, more vendors showed up with the intention of selling their wares, only to find the market crowded with personnel and fire trucks.
Building B was the only building that burned down, and during the fire, a portion of the roof collapsed, according to fire officials. The twenty sellers in that building were unable to retrieve the goods that were kept on site, according to a family member who still runs the market. The fire did not cause any structural damage to any other buildings.
Although the market was closed today, Catherine Walton Popp of the Market stated that they expect to reopen the following weekend. Beginning the following weekend, we will make an effort to find a different venue for the retailers that were displaced from Building B. After plans are approved by county officials, we want to reconstruct the Webb Road Flea Market, which has been a significant part of the Rowan County community for 40 years, she continued.
The market, which is accessible by Leach Road, has a history of fire; it was reduced to rubble by fires in 2010 and again in 2013. Nevertheless, the structure has consistently been restored and is still in use, and none of the earlier fires have been shown to have been suspicious in nature.
Beginning in the middle of the 1980s, Catherine’s father, Tom Walton, was one of the market’s original owners and developers. Over the years, it has stayed in the family and is currently run and owned by Catherine and her husband, Joey Popp, together with her sister and brother-in-law, Chris Stephens and Libby Walton Stephens.
One local seller who was on the scene said she hopes she hasn’t lost everything because she sells from an outside stand. The stalls outside remained the same.
Some paused along Leach Road, watching with their faces turned to the fire, some with trucks full of cargo, some with empty cars waiting to get in.
Fire authorities said they thought they had identified the fire’s origin, but they were unwilling to share any further details until they had a final determination.
Three hours later, at 6:40 a.m., the fire was deemed under control, and at 7:03 a.m., firemen were finally allowed inside to deal with internal hot spots. On Sunday morning, fire investigators were also allowed entry to start their investigation.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.