Wilmington, NC News

It was a battle of the bidders in Carolina Beach Friday. A large crowd gathered for a public auction of several pieces of prime ocean front real estate.

The private investor who bought the properties before the real estate slump, is now in bankruptcy, so the lots are up for grabs.

There were 12 offerings available and investors had the option to bid on individual options or a combination, for well below market value. Among the land in Friday’s auction; hotels, homes, and parking lots. Starting bids ranged from $50,000 to $500,000 and increased as bidders went back and forth. It was a great opportunity for investors.

“This is an opportunity to pick up some property on the island so we’re hoping we can take advantage of that,” said investor Jason Smith.

In the end there were multiple buyers, and the total amount of property sold went for about four and a half million dollars.

MORGANTON, N.C. — North Carolina firefighters are battling a blaze at a vacant furniture plant in Morganton where witnesses say flames are shooting more than 70 feet into the air.

The Charlotte Observer reported Friday at least five fire departments in western North Carolina are fighting to keep the huge fire from spreading at abandoned buildings once operated by the Drexel Heritage furniture company. The fire was reported around 3:00 a.m.

Firefighters have been unable to enter the burning buildings to fight the fire from inside.

The buildings were built in the early 1900s and have been vacant for several years.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)