CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six people, including one young child, were displaced after a three-alarm building fire just outside of Uptown Charlotte early Thursday morning, the Charlotte Fire Department said. One person is also in the hospital with minor injuries.
Fire investigators believe the fire was started on purpose.
At least 60 firefighters battled the fire on Margaret Brown Street, near South Irwin Avenue, around 2 a.m. Thursday, officials said. The fire took 75 minutes to put out, according to fire officials.
Fire officials said it happened at a vacant structure that was in the process of being renovated. The building where it started was nearly entirely destroyed, and collapsed on the crawlspace foundation. In addition to this damage, two attached and occupied town-home-style buildings were nearly gutted, but both remain standing.
Investigators determined this fire was intentionally set. It's the second time in less than 24 hours that a fire at that structure was determined to be intentionally set.
The Red Cross is assisting with the six residents who are displaced. The estimated property loss totals $390,000, according to Charlotte Fire.
Charlotte Fire told WCNC Charlotte Thursday afternoon the estimated cost of damage is #390,000.
Anyone with information on the investigation is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600.
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