CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A large two-alarm fire at an apartment complex in north Charlotte Thursday morning was intentionally set, fire investigators said.
Charlotte Fire tweeted crews were dispatched to the 1800 block of Prospect Drive, just off Reagan Drive near I-85 and West Sugar Creek Road a few minutes after 4:30 a.m.
A fire crew returning from a medical call nearby spotted the flames and was on the scene at Hunter’s Pointe before the call even reached 911. In total, a team of over 50 firefighters was able to get the fire under control in about an hour.
"Scary. Very scary," said one father who rushed over to check on his young daughter. "Especially not being in the same household, it's very scary."
Charlotte firefighters on scene said one person was inside the building at the time of the fire and was able to escape on their own. No injuries were reported.
CATS buses were brought to the complex to take people whose homes were damaged to a warm place to stay.
A Charlotte Fire official said the Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the families that have been affected by the fire. Six people were displaced out of four units. The apartment complex leasing center was destroyed. Damage was estimated at $200,000.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers 704-334-1600.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools issued the following statement:
"Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is working with Charlotte Fire Department, law enforcement, emergency responders and relief agencies to assess impacts on families affected by this morning’s apartment fire. CMS is acting to meet the needs of affected students and their families and asks for the support of the community for our neighbors who need assistance. The district will update information as this situation develops."