CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Fire crews tackled a two-alarm apartment fire in east Charlotte that left at least two dozen people without a home Thursday morning.
The fire broke out just before 5 a.m. on Farm Pond Lane, south of Albemarle Road, at the Summit Ridge Apartments.
Upon arrival, Charlotte Fire could see the active blaze in the apartment building, prompting the second alarm.
Channel 9’s Miana Massey arrived at the still-active scene around 5:30 a.m. Smoke was seen coming from the roof. The damage appeared to be concentrated to the upper level of the apartment building.
Crews say it took 60 firefighters 39 minutes to get the fire under control. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Still, it’s a devastating turn of events for residents, just one week before Christmas. Charlotte Fire says about 24 people were impacted by the blaze. Some residents evacuated on their own, but firefighters say some needed help getting out.
According to the fire department, 10 apartment units sustained substantial fire, smoke and water damage. The apartment complex is set to provide temporary living accommodations, and the Red Cross will also be assisting displaced families with gift cards and other supplies to help with the transition.
Officials say the fire was accidental. It started from burning incense that was left unattended. The fire caused about $275,000 of damage.
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