Jan. 30--Fire officials on Sunday were investigating five fires in southwest Charlotte, including one at a used-tire business and others in outdoor trash bins at two schools.
No one was injured in any of the fires, which were reported within a roughly three-hour span at locations along Nations Ford Road.
Charlotte Fire Capt. Rob Brisley said investigators are gathering information about the fires, but officials declined to release specific details other than saying the fires were intentionally set and could be related.
The first fire was reported about 4:25 a.m. Sunday in a trash bin in the 7600 block of Nations Ford. About 30 minutes later, firefighters responded to another fire in a trash bin, this time at Nations Ford Road Elementary at 8300 Nations Ford Road.
A third fire was reported at 5:41 a.m. in the 7400 block of Nations Ford.
A little more than 10 minutes later, firefighters were called to a fire at Ford's Tire Co. in the 6700 block of Nations Ford. The fire at the tire shop caused an estimated $30,000 in damages, and was the only one to result in structural damage, according to fire officials.
A fifth fire was reported about 7:45 a.m. at 7030 Nations Ford, which is the address for E.E. Waddell Language Academy.
The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force is investigating the fires. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600.
Bethea: 704-358-6013
Copyright 2012 - The Charlotte Observer, N.C.
