CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A massive five-alarm fire has been burning in the SouthPark Mall area of south Charlotte Thursday.
The cloud of smoke from the fire was so thick it was registering on the weather radar. A wireless emergency alert was sent to smartphones in the area that said "CFD is battling a large fire in South Park, do not call 911 unless you have an emergency."
A construction worker on the scene of the massive fire told WCNC Charlotte that he and his crew were working in the building before the massive blaze. He said the seven-story building was to become a 239-unit luxury multifamily community, known as Modera SouthPark.
According to its website, Modera SouthPark is a wood-frame, podium-style community consisting of twin buildings that make up more than 200 apartment homes.
The first move-ins were slated for spring 2024.
Massive fire burning near SouthPark Mall
A quick search shows the developers of the property, Mill Creek Residential, broke ground on the project back on Jan. 11, 2022. The mid-rise community is located at 7740 and 7741 Liberty Row Drive, which is near SouthPark Mall.
WCNC Charlotte, through public searches on Google, was able to determine SouthPark Charlotte Apartments LP owns the location located on Liberty Row Drive.
On Friday, Mill Creek sent this statement from Alex Eyssen, senior managing director of the Carolinas region for the company:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the two people who were missing in the construction fire that took place yesterday. This is the worst thing that can happen in our industry and there are no words that can express the emotions we are experiencing from this loss. Our thoughts are with the victims' loved ones.
Continuing coverage of 5-alarm Charlotte fire
- The latest developments on the massive fire
- These are the victims of Charlotte's five-alarm fire
- Verify: Understanding what is a “five-alarm fire"
- Weather IQ: Why smoke and fire show up on weather radar
- See who owned the building that was under construction
- Charlotte's political leaders and witnesses share their stories