The Charlotte Observer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte fire fighters battled a two-alarm fire early Monday at a home owned by Panthers coach Ron Rivera.
Charlotte Fire Capt. Rob Brisley said there was significant damage to the roof and attic of the home, but he did not release a dollar amount for the damage. He also did not identify the family.
“It’s a busy week ahead for the city of Charlotte, including this family, who is devastated by the fire,” Brisley said. “Early indications are this is an accidental fire.”
The fire was reported just after 4 a.m. at the home on Heydon Hall Circle in south Charlotte. The first call came from the alarm company that monitors the home’s security system, which had been activated by smoke in the house. When fire fighters responded, they saw heavy smoke and fire.
Brisley did not specify how many family members were in the house. He added that the family’s pets also were rescued.
Mecklenburg County property records indicate the home is owned by Ronald Rivera and Stephanie Tamayo-Rivera.
Ultimately, it took 56 fire fighters 62 minutes to control the fire.
The family will stay at the home throughout the day to manage the recovery process, Brisley said. “They won’t be able to live there in the short term.”
Most of the damage to the main living spaces was smoke and water damage, and many of the family’s possessions were salvaged, Brisley added.
Rivera isn’t the only Panthers employee who has made news lately for unfortunate incidents off the field. In early December, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered two fractures in his back in a two-car crash at one of Charlotte’s most dangerous intersections in uptown.
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