RANDLEMAN, N.C. — Randolph County fire crews responded to a structure fire on Russell Walker Avenue January 20th.
Around 4pm the old Worthville Mill in Randleman caught fire, according to the Randolph County Fire Marshal's Office.
The City of Randleman's Fire Marshal Chris Hedrick told WFMY News 2 it took 13 agencies from Randolph and Guilford County to get the fire under control.
Firefighters said the three story 150,000 square foot mill is destroyed.
The Worthville Cotton Mill was built in 1880, and has not been operational in years.
Many residents told WFMY News 2 it was a pillar in their community.
One resident said he had family ties to the mill.
"My grandfather actually built most of the machines that was used in this building," Victor Oxentine said,
"Pretty much my entire family worked in this building. It's been just a part of our community."
Fire crews said left over fabric in the mill added to the strength of the fire and current weather conditions made it harder to put out.
"The winds did push the fire into the mills a little bit. The frigid temperatures makes everything difficult," City of Randleman Fire Marshal Chris Hedrick said,
"As far as the water freezing on the roadway, it made it difficult and hazardous for fire vehicles," Hedrick said.
He said fire crews will stay on scene until the fire is completely out. Hedrick estimates that could take a few days or even longer for the fire to completely go out.
A cause of the fire is not yet known.
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