Major Apartment Blaze Damages Up to 12 Units
Published FRI MAR 26
PINEVILLE - The first of many calls into 911 communications came in
around 9:30 am from a non-English speaking person. EMS and Police were
on the first dispatch; however, this quickly was upgraded to a
structure fire response after more information was received.
The Pineville Volunteer Fire Department was first on
the scene and reported that fire had all ready reached the attic and
roof.
Upon his arrival, Pineville Fire Chief Billy Griffin
established Incident Command and requested a full box alarm assignment
from the Charlotte Fire Department.
The Carolina Volunteer Fire Department had also arrived
and this incident quickly went to a second alarm, bringing over forty
firefighters.
The major part of the fire was contained in about an
hour with numerous handlines, a deck gun, and one ladder pipe in
service.
Pineville firefighters with Engine-3 hooked up to a
private hydrant on site but the water pressure was inadequate to
suppress the massive fire conditions.
"There was so much fire, it did not matter if the
first hydrant was working OK", said Pineville Fire Chief Billy
Griffin,
"it was going to be a challenge."
Charlotte Fire Engine-16 caught a city hydrant off site
and supplied the needed water to the trucks to finally contain the
blaze.
There were no injuries reported. The American Red Cross
arrived to help with numerous people displaced and also to support the
needs of the firefighters working throughout the day.
Damages estimates by fire officials were put at
approximately $400K with ten units suffering fire, smoke, and water
damage. Some additional apartments were temporally evacuated since the
utilities were controlled to keep the whole building
safe.
The Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal's Office is the
lead investigating agency and reports that the fire started in the
rear area of this 3-story apartment building. The cause remains under
investigation.
Units responding:
Pineville E3 E2 SQ8 C13
Carolina E3 E4
Charlotte E16 E32 E24 L16
BC4 BC5 C28
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