The Dunrovin Country Store fire heavily damaged one of Moore County’s best-known roadside businesses Saturday evening, drawing about 70 firefighters to U.S. 1 near Vass. The four-alarm response lasted more than six hours as crews worked through heavy smoke, extreme heat and a complex building layout.
The fire was reported at approximately 6:30 p.m. on August 8. Dunrovin Country Store and Deli had already closed for the day, and the owner told reporters that no people or animals were inside when the fire began.
Dunrovin Country Store Fire Brings Large Regional Response
The response eventually reached four alarms, bringing departments from across Moore County and neighboring communities. Crews came from Cypress Pointe, Southern Pines, Whispering Pines, Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Carthage, Crains Creek, Eastwood, West End, Fort Bragg, Hoke County’s Hillcrest department and Lee County’s Tramway department. Moore County EMS also responded.
Firefighters used four attack lines to locate, contain and extinguish the flames. Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue said the building’s additions, varied construction methods and many divided spaces made the work more difficult. Crews had to open walls and pull down ceilings while tracking fire through different sections of the structure.
Extreme summer heat added another challenge. Firefighters remained on the scene until shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday, checking for hotspots and making sure the fire was fully extinguished.
Three Firefighters Treated for Minor Injuries
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries during the Dunrovin Country Store fire. WRAL reported that one firefighter received an electrical shock, while two others had other minor injuries. Moore County EMS treated all three at the scene, and Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue said they later returned to full duty.
Southbound U.S. 1 remained closed for more than six hours while emergency crews operated around the property. The lanes reopened around 1 a.m. Sunday. Northbound traffic remained open during the response.
A Moore County Business With Decades of History
Dunrovin opened in 1950 and has long been known for its country store, Amish deli and market. Its location along U.S. 1 made it a familiar stop for generations of Sandhills residents and travelers. That history made images from the Dunrovin Country Store fire especially difficult for many people across Vass and Moore County.
Local businesses also helped support the first responders during the lengthy operation. Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue thanked Bob’s Pizza of Vass, Dollar General of Vass, Little Caesars of Vass and McDonald’s of Carthage for supplying food and refreshments to crews at the scene.
The widespread response showed how departments across the Sandhills support one another when a major emergency demands additional people, equipment and relief crews.
The cause of the Dunrovin Country Store fire had not been determined as of the latest reports and remains under investigation. No announcement has been made about the future of the property or business.
Star 102.5 will continue following this story and share confirmed updates as they become available. Keeping you connected to the Sandhills and beyond.
Sources: Reporting by Patrick Priest for Moore County News, with additional details from WRAL News and ABC11.
