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A Gaston County marble company was destroyed overnight in a fire that continued to burn at daybreak Monday.
Gaston County EMS says there were no injuries in the blaze, at the Gatza Marble company on R&S Access Road, a short distance east of Cherryville.
Fire officials say a motorist on nearby Dallas-Cherryville Highway (N.C. 279) spotted heavy smoke coming from the building. Firefighters thought they had brought the blaze under control, but they say flames apparently reached a container of resin.
When that happened, officials say, the fire exploded and spread. The crew of about 70 firefighters moved into a defensive firefighting position.
At 7 a.m. Monday, smoke and occasional flames could still be seen in the rubble. Fire officials say they were working to deal with hot spots, and they hope to begin an investigation into the cause of the blaze later in the morning.
Gatza Marble makes a variety of marble products, including countertops.
