Trending Topics

Unattended candles lead to fatal N.C. apartment fire

Authorities said the Charlotte apartment had smoke detectors but the batteries had been removed

By WSOC
The Charlotte Observer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two people were killed in a fire early Wednesday at an apartment complex in east Charlotte, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.

Burning candles were left unattended, which caused a fire in an apartment on Spanish Quarter Circle, fire department officials said.

Firefighters were called to the blaze around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. The fire was quickly extinguished, but firefighters found the two victims inside the home. They were originally taken to a nearby hospital before they died from their injuries.

Three cats were also killed in the fire, according to CFD.

The apartment unit had a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, but neither worked due to batteries being removed, authorities said.

According to the fire department, no other apartments were damaged in the fire.

The victims haven’t been identified yet.

CFD Reginald Johnson wrote on Twitter that the department expresses “our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims.”

©2024 The Charlotte Observer.
Visit charlotteobserver.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trending
East Millinocket Fire Department used a $90,000 grant to replace aging turnout gear for all 25 firefighters with PFAS-free protective equipment
“Living On: The Michael Cammarata Story” traces the life of the youngest FDNY firefighter killed on Sept. 11, from the Little League World Series to the fire service
Rising EMS staffing costs, declining volunteer ranks and reduced state support are squeezing county budgets as communities work to recruit and retain paramedics and EMTs
Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue volunteers used scuba and snorkeling techniques to recover a sentimental wedding band near Saugatuck Falls