Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte NC – An aggressive fire attack allowed firefighters to knockdown and snuff out an apartment fire in east Charlotte early Monday evening.

Charlotte Fire Communications received the first of several phone calls at 5:07 PM reporting an apartment fire at 6644 Idlewild Road. While enroute fire crews reported seeing a large column of smoke in the horizon and prepared themselves for the ensuing battle.

Firefighters from nearby Station 3 were first to arrive and reported heavy fire and smoke emitting from the second floor and attic space of a two-story fourplex apartment building.

Crews scurried into action stretching hoselines and searching the building for occupants. A Ladder Company was assigned to provide vertical ventilation by cutting a hole in the roof allowing heat, smoke, and superheated gases to escape.

Firefighters soon gained the upper hand on this well-entrenched fire and knocked down the flames before it could consume the entire attic space. A well-coordinated effort of 31 Charlotte Firefighters resulted in the incident being brought under control in 13 minutes.

A total of 13 occupants were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross. Fire Investigators said the fire began in the kitchen of a second floor unit and caused an estimated $200,000 in damage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department