Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte NC – The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force is seeking information in regards to a spree of arson fires that took place within a period of 4 hours early Sunday morning, January 20^th, 2012.

The first of 5 fires was reported at 4:24 AM involving a dumpster in close proximity to a commercial structure at 7607 Nations Ford Road. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire. There was no damage to the structure.

Firefighters would respond to 2 additional fires within a 45-minute time span. Both fires involved dumpsters on the properties of Nations Ford Elementary School and the Heavenly Light Independent Church located at 8300 Nations Ford Road and 7410 Nations Ford Road respectively. Crews again were able to quickly control these fires without any damage to the structures.

The most significant of the 5 fires occurred at 5:52 AM at 6724 Nations Ford Road. Firefighters arrived to observe heavy fire conditions involving the rear portion of a retail tire establishment. An aggressive and well-coordinated fire attack resulted in the fire being confined mainly to the rear exterior portion of the structure. Unfortunately, smoke, fire, and fire control damage did involve some interior portions of the structure. Damage was estimated at up to $30,000.

The last fire reported at 7:43 AM occurred at Waddell High School, 7030 Nations Ford Road. Firefighters returning to their quarters from the previous fire observed smoke issuing from the rear of the school. Crews arrived to find two dumpsters that had been destroyed by fire and were still smoldering. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fires and easily brought the incident under control within a few minutes. There was no damage to any structure.

The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force is appealing to the community for assistance with identifying who is responsible for setting these fires. Although no one was injured at these incidents, arson can pose a serious threat to us all. Your friends at the Charlotte Fire Department are asking anyone with information pertaining to these fires to call Crime Stoppers at 704.334.1600.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department