Family escapes early-morning fire that destroyed north Charlotte home

CHARLOTTE — A fire destroyed a home in the Derita neighborhood of north Charlotte early Friday morning, leaving the people inside looking for a new place to stay.

It started around 12:30 a.m. on Dalecrest Drive.

Channel 9’s Miana Massey spoke to a man who was inside when the fire broke out. He didn’t want to be identified but said it happened in an instant.

“I smelled something burning, like plastic burning,” he said. “I looked out. It was a bright light; I thought it was a porch light.”

That bright light was a family’s home burning. The man who lived inside said his first instinct was to save his aging parents.

“Smoke was all in the house already when I went and got my parents,” he said. “I told them just stay low and get out the front door. Don’t worry about anything, just get out.”

Fortunately, everyone inside was able to make it out safely.

Charlotte Fire says it took 30 firefighters to get the blaze under control, but in the chaos, there was no time to grab anything. The family left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Daylight shows the extent of the damage with much of the back of the home destroyed. The family says they’ve lived in the home for nearly 20 years.

“Too many memories,” the man said. “My thoughts are just heartbreaking.”

Now, they’re left sifting through the rubble, trying to process what’s gone and what’s next.

“It looks like it’s going to be a lot of work,” he said. “They’d pretty much have to tear the whole house down to build it back up. I’m just glad everybody got out ok.”

The family says they’re now focused on finding a place to stay and supporting one another. They’re receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

The fire department says improperly discarded smoking materials set the deck on fire, causing an estimated $100,000 in damages.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.