Multiple Residents Hospitalized After Wiley School Apartments Fire

Crews quickly contained the blaze, but three residents required medical treatment.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:04pm

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A large fire broke out at the Wiley School Apartments in Salisbury, North Carolina on Saturday morning, sending three residents to local hospitals for treatment of thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. The Salisbury Fire Department responded within minutes and were able to contain the fire to a single second-floor apartment, preventing widespread damage to the 65-unit complex.

Why it matters

Apartment fires pose a serious threat to resident safety, especially in multi-unit buildings where rapid evacuation is critical. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety protocols and the quick response of local emergency services in minimizing harm to the community.

The details

According to the Salisbury Fire Department, the fire was reported around 6:24 a.m. on Saturday. Crews arrived within three minutes and were able to control the blaze, which was contained to a single apartment on the second floor. Three residents were transported to area hospitals - one for thermal injuries and two for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting residents impacted by the fire, and the cause remains under investigation.

  • The fire was reported around 6:24 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Firefighters arrived on the scene within 3 minutes of the initial call.

The players

Salisbury Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and contained the fire at the Wiley School Apartments.

Bob Parnell

The Salisbury Fire Chief, who praised his crew's quick response in controlling the blaze.

Henry Phillips

A first-floor resident of the Wiley School Apartments who described waking up to smoke and having to evacuate.

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What they’re saying

“'Our crews did an excellent job of responding quickly to control the fire.'”

— Bob Parnell, Salisbury Fire Chief

“'I woke up and I smelled smoke. I thought did I leave something on? I ran into the kitchen and did not see any fire or smoke, but when I went back to my bedroom, smoke was coming out of the vents and I had to get out of there, the smoking was overcoming and you could not bear it.'”

— Henry Phillips, Wiley School Apartments resident

What’s next

The Salisbury Fire Department is continuing its investigation into the cause of the fire at the Wiley School Apartments.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical role of fire departments in protecting public safety, especially in multi-unit residential buildings where rapid response and evacuation can mean the difference between life and death. It also highlights the importance of fire safety education and preparedness for all residents.