Charlotte, North Carolina Firefighters Battle Multi-Alarm Apartment Gas Fire

Just after 10:30 am, Charlotte Fire Communications received two calls reporting a fire at the Runaway Bay Apartments in east Charlotte.

First arriving firefighters had heavy fire from a cut gas line in the A/D corner of the 50x150 multi unit apartment complex. Cause of the wind and the intense 1000+ degree fire, the apartment complex quickly caught as well. Heavy fire eventually overtook 50% of the building.

The fire took over 1 hour to bring under control.

Fire Crews were on scene to mid afternoon on a fire watch. American Red Cross assisted the displaced families and pets, which included 1 ferret, 1 turtle, and 1 cat. Fire officials put damage estimates at over $500k.

Charlotte Fire Dept has responded to a number of ruptured gas lines in the past few years. Only few have led to fire.

As the city grows, so does the number of incidents dealing with constructions crews damaging gas lines.