Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte Firefighters were busy Tuesday battling three residential structure fires with a common characteristic. The first call for service came in just after 9:30 am when firefighters were dispatched to a house on fire at 4826 Baywood Court in northeast Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station #34 arrived and reported smoke pouring from this 2-story home. (27) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in 17 minutes. The fire caused an estimated $35,000 in damage and left the family displaced. The fire began in the kitchen and was caused by food left cooking unattended. Firefighters were able to rescue the family dog and no injuries were reported.

While firefighters were preparing to go back to their stations, firefighters were called to service at 10:35 am for a second reported house on fire at 11429 Antebellum Drive in southwest Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station #26 were first to arrive and reported heavy smoke showing from a 1-story home. (27) Firefighters were needed to bring this fire under control in just 18 minutes. This fire also began in the kitchen and the cause was determined to be food left cooking unattended. There were no injuries to report, but significant damage to this home left another family displaced.

After a short break in action, at 4:37 pm firefighters responded to a report of yet another house fire at 11935 Painted Tree Lane located off Carmel Road in south Charlotte. A Battalion Chief and firefighters from nearby Station #24 quickly arrived and reported heavy smoke and flames showing from this 2-story home. (27) Firefighters needed 38 minutes to control this fire. Despite resuscitation efforts by firefighters the family dog perished as a result of smoke inhalation. The damage to this home was extensive and is estimated at over $100,000. This was the third fire of the day which began in the kitchen; left yet another family displaced, and caused by… you guessed it… food left cooking unattended.

Your Charlotte Fire Department would like to offer the community-at-large these cooking safety tips and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

• Avoid distractions when cooking
• Avoid cooking when you're sleepy
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking