Crews battling fire in downtown Whiteville

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Whiteville Fire Department battling a fire in one of the busiest parts of the city.
According to the Whiteville Emergency Services Director Hal Lowder Jr., the fire broke out around 3pm Friday afternoon in a vacant structure near Main Street and N. Franklin Street.
Lowder says the building is unoccupied, and at this point, there are no injuries.
The fire is contained, but crews are still on the scene dealing with hot spots.
Lowder is asking motorists to avoid downtown Whiteville, particularly along Main Street, as crews work to finish off the fire.