3 early-morning fires displace dozens of families in Charlotte
Flames broke out at two homes and an apartment complex early Friday morning.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Dozens of families are without homes after three significant fires early Friday morning, the Charlotte Fire Department said.
The first fire happened at a home on Lakeside Drive in east Charlotte before 1 a.m. The second happened less than three miles away at a house on Abbeydale Drive, less than an hour later. The third fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. at an apartment complex on Holliswood Court in the southwestern part of the city.
Firefighters were able to control both house fires in under 30 minutes. Nobody was hurt in either, although both homes were significantly damaged by flames.
A second alarm was called for the apartment fire, meaning extra crews and resources were called in. The blaze was controlled in about 60 minutes. Five civilians and one firefighter were evaluated but released by Medic.
Officials said the apartment fire affected 24 units. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced. Multiple pets were rescued.
The fire department said the blaze was started by a candle that was left unattended on a third-floor balcony. The fire caused an estimated $1.4 million in damage.
Investigators said the Lakeside Drive fire was sparked by either discarded smoking materials or improperly used fireworks. The Abbeydale Drive fire was caused by discarded smoking materials.
Related: Garage fire causes $85K in damage to south Charlotte home
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