Local

Unattended fire pit blamed for $200K in damages to Ballantyne home

CHARLOTTE — Dozens of firefighters were called to a Ballantyne neighborhood early Tuesday to fight a large house fire.

Crews were called just after 5 a.m. to the home on High Creek Court, near Elm Lane and Interstate 485.

When firefighters got there, they reported heavy flames shooting from the roof. The fire department then upgraded the call to a second alarm, meaning more firefighters were needed to help get the flames under control.

No injuries were reported and officials said the family inside was able to get out before firefighters arrived.

Fire crews got the fire under control in a little less than an hour, and were able to rescue a cat from the home.

Investigators determined that the fire was caused by an unattended fire pit outside and resulted in $200,000 in damage.

(WATCH: 1 person seriously hurt after fire at south Charlotte apartment building)