Downtown Statesville Fire

Statesville, North Carolina | UPDATE | 4/27/2023

Earlier today, City staff placed temporary fencing from the Merrill Lynch building on S. Center Street to Theater Statesville on W. Broad Street, and the alley behind the buildings on Court Street. “No Trespassing” signs have been placed on the fences. The fire investigation is ongoing, and any unauthorized person that enters the fenced in areas will be charged with trespassing by the Statesville Police Department. Pedestrians should use sidewalks on the opposite side of the street as a detour around the fenced in areas.

New Traffic Pattern: Beginning Friday morning (between 9-10am), W. Broad Street from Center Street to Meeting Street will be temporally shifted to only allow one-way traffic in the west bound direction towards Mitchell Community College. 

The City of Statesville would like to thank ZNDUS for providing the temporary fencing around the fire damaged properties downtown.

Statesville, North Carolina | UPDATE | 4/25/2023

The Statesville Fire Department ran checks at the buildings throughout last night and through 8am this morning.   Around 3pm, they checked for hot spots using thermal imagining and found none.  There are no updates regarding the cause of the fire or where the fire began.  The Fire Marshal’s Office will be working alongside insurance investigators for the next couple of days.  The fire is still under investigation and an update will be released once complete.

City Staff will be securing the area with temporary barriers.  Staff is requesting that the public not enter the area that is marked with fire tape and barriers for any reason.

Statesville, North Carolina | UPDATE | April 25, 2023

Early on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, a devastating fire broke out in the Historic District of Downtown Statesville, damaging three businesses: GG's Art Frames Gifts, Merrill Lynch, and Theater Statesville. The fire caused heavy damage to the buildings, including fire, smoke, and water damage, and also affected neighboring buildings with smoke and water damage.

Statesville, North Carolina | April 25, 2023

At approximately 2:15am this morning, the Statesville Fire Department responded to smoke coming from the 100 block of S. Center Street and W. Broad Street.  Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke coming from two buildings.  Neighboring agencies were called into assist, and approximately 75 personnel were on scene. 

As of 5:30am, the fire was under control, and firefighters began performing an overhaul.  Assisting agencies were release shortly after.

There were no injuries reported from the fire, and none of the buildings were occupied.  This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no other information is available at this time.

About the City Of Statesville:

The City of Statesville is truly a diverse community that welcomes new people, new voices and ideas, new industry, and business. We have already made significant investments in our downtown amenities, our business sector, our schools, our infrastructure, and more is on the horizon. We are creating a dynamic future for ourselves as we build on our successful history and the positive energy we experience today, all the while incorporating the values and quality of life that we cherish. To learn more visit www.statesvillenc.net.