Man dies following two-alarm fire at south Charlotte apartment

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man has died following a two-alarm apartment fire that left five others injured.

The fire broke out early Thursday morning at an apartment building in the 8500 block of Winter Oaks Lane. Charlotte Fire responded to the initial 911 call at 5:27 a.m. to reports of an active fire with people still inside the building.

Crews arrived at the scene to heavy fire erupting from the roof of the structure. Additional units were called to help with the rescues. Engine 16 located and rescued two burn patients from inside the building.

At 5:36 a.m., the incident was upgraded to a second alarm, bringing more personnel to the scene. Crews continued their search and rescue efforts while others worked to control the flames.

By 5:49 a.m., the primary search of the building was complete, and all remaining residents were safely evacuated or rescued. The fire was brought under control by 6:04 a.m.

All six patients, including two children, were taken to area hospitals. Two patients were transferred to the Wake Forest Burn Center for specialized care. One of the adult victims did not survive. Officials have not released the name of the deceased.

“Our hearts go out to the family and everyone affected by this tragic loss,” said Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. “We are proud of the quick and courageous actions of our firefighters, who responded within minutes, performed rescues, and brought the fire under control in a challenging situation.” 

Due to the extent of the damage, all residents of the building have been displaced. The American Red Cross has established a shelter to assist those affected.

The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force is still working to determine the cause of the fire.

The initial estimates of property and content loss exceed $100,000.