Spruce Pine Fire Anniversary (08/04/08)

One year after fires swept through downtown Spruce Pine, people are not only looking back, they're also looking forward.
The blazes on the first weekend of August last year damaged about 20 businesses.
Merchants say there has been a slow down in business over the past year, but things appear to be picking up as businesses rebuild and expand.
"This was a setback for us there's no doubt about it, but our future looks bright and clear," says Mayor Ralph Hise, Jr.
44-year-old David McCall is charged with setting the fires in Spruce Pine.
The mayor says he's been told the trial is on hold until the district attorney can prove whether McCall is competent to stand trial.Spruce Pine Fire Anniversary (08/04/08)