No Injuries After Truck, House Catch Fire Near Benson

BENSON, N.C. – A fire that began near a septic tank delivery truck spread to a home under construction Thursday morning on Aquilla Road, damaging about half of the partially completed house.

West Johnston Fire Department, 50-210 Fire Department, Benson Fire Department and Coats-Grove Fire Department were dispatched around 10:35 a.m. to a vehicle fire threatening a structure.

Crews arrived and found both the vehicle and the home on fire.

Johnston County Fire Marshal Travis Johnson said the fire was ruled accidental following an investigation.

Investigators determined heat from the septic tank delivery truck’s exhaust pipe ignited a nearby hay bale. The fire then spread to the house.

The home was about 25 percent complete, with framing and some electrical work in place. Officials estimated about 50 percent of the structure was damaged.

No injuries were reported.

“It is important to use caution when parking and operating vehicles near dry vegetation,” Johnson said. “Even if you turn off the vehicle, engine and exhaust components may still be hot and can start a fire. Park vehicles away from vegetation when possible.”