Fire breaks out at historic Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Fire crews are responding to a structure fire at the historic Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington after the call came in around 1 p.m. Friday.

Wilmington Fire Department units are on scene in the 100 block of South 3rd Street, and Wilmington police have closed South 3rd at Market and Orange streets while firefighters work to extinguish the flames. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and take alternate routes.

The extent of the damage and whether anyone was injured has not yet been released.

This is not the first time the Graystone Inn has seen fire damage. In June 2023, a late-night fire caused significant destruction after flames spread inside the building’s walls. At that time, crews initially believed the smoke was the result of an electrical issue, but a hidden fire was later discovered and quickly grew.

The 2023 fire prompted multiple alarms, injured three firefighters and caused heavy damage to the landmark structure. Fire officials later determined that blaze began accidentally in the kitchen area.

The Graystone Inn, located at South 3rd and Dock streets, is one of Wilmington’s oldest and most recognized historic buildings.

This is a developing story. We’ll update as soon as more information becomes available.