Smoke was reported coming out the roof and sides of the Whitecap Linen building in Manteo shortly before 5:30 Friday morning, January 18. The building was unoccupied.

Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene first and called a second alarm. Also responding were fire departments from Manns Harbor, Nags Head (Engine 21), Kill Devil Hills and Colington, as well as Dare County EMS, Dare County Sheriff’s Office and Manteo Police Department.

In all, RIVFD Assistant Chief Mac Gray estimates 25-30 first responders were on scene. “We all rely on each other,” he said. “They come when we need them; we go to them when they need us.”

While flames were not reported as being visible to passers-by, Gray said there was a small fire in the building. He said the structure sustained minimal fire damage and moderate smoke damage. The cause is still being investigated, but nothing appeared suspicious.

Gray said responders were on the scene for a couple of hours and, while they needed to shut down the highway for a little while, it was back open before school and work traffic was heavy.

Whitecap Linen is located at 312 N. US 64/264 between Ace Hardware and Wells Fargo. The company provides linen and laundry services for the healthcare and hospitality industries.

More information on the cause of the fire will be reported as it becomes available.

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