CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Fire Department said improperly discarded fireworks were the result of a fire that ripped through a west Charlotte home overnight.
The department reported the incident around 1:34 a.m. Sunday along Oakshire Circle. Eleven people from two different residences are being assisted by Red Cross following the blaze, Charlotte Fire reported.
Investigators said the estimated damages are $80,000.
WCNC Charlotte viewer Latoria Williams captured the blaze on her cell phone and sent us two videos as the flames tore through the building.
Necole Weathers said she thought all of her children got out of the house, but as she was counting everyone outside, she realized her son, Qassim Weathers, was still inside his upstairs bedroom.
"I was like, 'My baby!' At that moment, I just fell to the ground because when I looked up, all I seen was flames, and he was up here at the back left." Weathers recalled. "In that moment, I thought I lost my son."
Qassim's father ran back inside with their two oldest sons right behind him. As they climbing up the stairs, the smoke was too much for their two sons so they ran back down.
As the seconds dragged, Weathers feared they both died.
"But his dad got him. He got my baby," Weathers said. "I'm so grateful that my kids are here, that my husband's here. When it was happening, I was like I'm losing so much, but I gained so much."
She said she's grateful to long-lost friends, neighbors and strangers who donated clothes, supplies and money to help them.
Investigators said the estimated damages are $80,000.
Weathers said they've created a GoFundMe to help with their various needs. Click here to learn more information.
Later Monday, the Charlotte Fire Department tweeted ways to properly dispose of fireworks:
- Be sure to let them cool all the way
- Sweep up all the wrappers, packing and garbage from your firework show
- Pour a bucket of water or use your hose to saturate all used fireworks. Thi ensures that all fireworks are safely extinguished.
- Let them sit for at least 15 minutes before disposal.
- Place your wet fireworks in the garbage and push your trash can away from your house.
- Do not put used fireworks in the recycling bin.