Graham’s fire department and most other local fire departments within Alamance County responded to a 3-Alarm fire at the former Culp Weaving mill building at 300 East Parker Street after the first 9-1-1 call was received around 7:55 p.m. on Sunday night, November 12.
It was the second significant fire at the former mill building in the past 13 months. Just over a year ago, on October 11, 2022, an “all call” fire – with an even wider response from area fire departments – occurred at the same building.
During the most recent fire, Graham’s fire chief, Tommy Cole, reported that several walls had collapsed; he estimated the building – that had been largely vacant but with some areas used for storage – was a total loss.
No one has been injured as a result of the fire, according to the chief.
In addition to Graham, fire departments from Burlington, Swepsonville, Altamahaw-Ossipee, Mebane, Haw River, Eli Whitney, Snow Camp, Faucette, Elon, E.M. Holt, Pleasant Grove, North Central, and Gibsonville were at the scene. Ladder trucks from Greensboro and Hillsborough fire departments also responded.
A shelter was opened at the Graham Recreation Center on College Street to accommodate nearby residents, some of whom were asked to relocate because of concerns that the fire might spread to nearby residences.
Graham mayor Jennifer Talley and Graham city council members expressed pride and appreciation Monday night during their monthly meeting about the professional and efficient manner in which the fire department and other city agencies, primarily public works and the police, responded to the fire – as well as gratitude for the other agencies that assisted throughout the night.
