CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Crews with the Charlotte Fire Department worked to douse the flames on the top level of a condo block Tuesday afternoon. When firefighters searched the building, they reportedly found a dead person inside.
More than 60 firefighters responded to the condominium units along West 8th Street near North Graham Street around 1:20 p.m. Crews shared a video to Twitter, showing flames and smoke rising from the top of the building. A WCNC Charlotte viewer shared two photos showing the earlier stages of the fire.
No injuries were reported initially from the fire, but the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release just before 5:30 p.m. that crews had found a person's body during a search of the affected building.
"It's just awful and I feel for the person and their family," Chris, a nearby neighbor, said.
Neighbors also told WCNC Charlotte's Julia Kauffman they are searching for pets that escaped during the chaos.
CMPD officers responded to start the investigation and collect evidence. As of publication, the identity of the victim has not been shared.
Charlotte Fire said in its own separate news release the person died in the fire. WCNC Charlotte is asking CMPD to clarify details from their own release.
The Charlotte Fire Department said they are still working to determine the cause of the fire, which damaged at least four condos.
Fire officials were expected to remain on the scene into the evening investigation. A spokesperson said they would also be there to support any residents who may be returning home, not yet informed about the fire, and may need assistance relocating.
WCNC Charlotte viewer Emma shared another angle of the fire as well, showing how involved crews were in tackling it.
The American Red Cross is helping residents that have been displaced by the fire.
