AHOSKIE – An early morning blaze here Monday has destroyed one of the oldest homes on Catherine Creek Road.

Firefighters from three departments battled the blaze, one that broke out at approximately 2:30 a.m. at a two-story framed house located at 321 South Catherine Creek Road.

According to Ahoskie Fire Chief Ken Dilday, records show the home as built in 1912. It was currently unoccupied and was once the home of sisters Henrietta Futrell and Sarah Futrell, both now deceased. The property belongs to their estate.

“When we arrived on the scene the fire had already broken through the roof at the rear of the house,” Dilday said.

Due to the intensity of the fire as well as nearby homes plus a church located in the lot behind the property, Dilday called in the assistance of the Union Volunteer Fire Department and Winton Volunteer Fire Department. He said approximately 35 firefighters were on the scene.

The last of the Ahoskie fire units cleared the scene at 10:50 a.m.

Catherine Creek Road, between Everett Street and Garrett Street, was closed to traffic from 2:30-8:45 a.m.

Ahoskie Police Lt. Detective Jeremy Roberts was called in to investigate. His probe ruled out foul play.

“As of right now, the fire is of an undetermined origin,” Roberts said. “Without any concrete evidence to go on, I’m leaning towards it being electrical in nature.”

Roberts said despite the home being unoccupied for some time, the electrical power to the residence was still connected.