Local News
Firefighters battling intense fire at Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Firefighters are actively responding to a major structure fire at the historic Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington, prompting road closures and a large emergency response Wednesday afternoon.
The Wilmington Fire Department confirmed that crews arrived on scene shortly after 1:40 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.
Firefighters remain engaged in suppression efforts as they work to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.
The Wilmington Police Department has temporarily closed sections of Market Street and Orange Street to allow first responders access to the scene and to ensure public safety.
No injuries have been reported at this time, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The Graystone Inn, a well-known landmark located in Wilmington’s historic district, has been closed since mid-2023 following a kitchen fire.
The property has been undergoing renovations and construction work during the closure.
This marks the second significant fire incident involving the building in less than two years.
Fire officials have not provided an estimated containment time or damage assessment, and investigators are expected to begin examining the cause once the fire is fully under control.
The incident remains active, and additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.