Fire on Bodenhamer Street in Kernersville destroys electric company's building

The electric company Caudill's in Kernersville, has released a statement after a fire destroyed its historic building on Saturday night. In reads, in part, "Last night, we experienced a heartbreaking total loss at Caudill Electric as our building went up in flames. Watching it burn was incredibly difficult and left us feeling helpless — but even in the middle of the devastation, we are filled with gratitude."

The company expressed thanks to the Kernersville Fire Department and other first responders and said it is working towards being "back in operation by Tuesday." 

The structure was built in 1897 as the Harmon and Reid Roller Mill.

The Kernersville Fire Department indicated that firefighters were on site Saturday night working "in a defensive attack mode to contain the blaze" at 208 E. Bodenhamer Street. Part of the street was closed in the process. They indicated there was also a motor vehicle accident in the area around the same time, which involved downed power lines. Initial reporting suggested that the fire was caused by the crash, but it is unknown if the two are related.

The Kernersville Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
No injuries have been reported.

Kernersville Fire Rescue released the following update at 1:25 p.m. Sunday:

"Fire crews completed overhaul operations and full extinguishment of hot spots this morning. Duke Energy has also finished repairs in the area, and the building was officially released back to the property owners at approximately 10:00 a.m. today. Bodenhamer Street has been reopened to regular traffic."

"We are aware of various rumors circulating on social media, and we want to clarify that no injuries occurred to either emergency personnel or civilians during the fire at Caudill Electric.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Kernersville Fire Marshal’s Office."