Accidental Fire Heavily Damages Clayton Home

CLAYTON, N.C. – A burn barrel used to dispose of treated lumber was determined to be the cause of a fire that damaged a Clayton-area home and destroyed a storage shed Wednesday afternoon.

The fire was reported at 1:20 p.m. at a residence on Glasgow Drive, off Little Creek Church Road. Firefighters from the Clayton, North Side, Wilson’s Mills, and Cleveland fire departments responded to the scene.

According to the Johnston County Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire originated in a burn barrel located behind a shed and near the home. Investigators said the barrel had been used to burn treated lumber and the material had not been fully extinguished.

Officials said heat from the burn barrel ignited nearby grass, causing the fire to spread to a fence and the storage shed. Flames then extended from the shed to the attached garage of the home and into the attic space above.

The shed was destroyed, and one side of the home sustained heavy fire damage.

Two pets were rescued from the home. No injuries were reported.

Johnston County Fire Marshal Travis Johnson used the incident to remind residents about state regulations governing outdoor burning.

“It is important to highlight that only natural vegetation can be burned, and all fires should be extinguished before leaving,” Johnson said. “The occupant did douse the barrel, but with how full it was, the contents inside the barrel were not fully cooled by the water.”

The fire was ruled accidental.