Cause under investigation of Indian Trail fire that destroyed 2 homes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Investigators are still trying to determine what caused an Indian Trail fire that destroyed two homes and damaged two others totaling nearly one million dollars.

Authorities said flames broke out in the attic of a home on Secret Garden Court just before midnight, and wind gusts nearly 35 mph whipped the embers into the home next door.

"We basically had two structures burning at the same time. It's fortunate that we didn't have any injuries," said Union County Assistant Fire Marshal Jon Williams.

The family of five in the first burning home escaped and ran next door to alert their neighbors the flames were spreading.

"What woke me up was a scream, and then the doorbell woke my dad," said Chris Morgan.

Morgan and his father began grabbing clothes and pictures as they ran from their home.

Siding on homes on either side of the fiery homes also melted.

"It was surreal. It was scary that it was happening, but there is nothing you could do about it," Morgan said.

The Red Cross is assisting both families.

Fire officials said the fire is not suspicious in nature but said they may never know the exact cause because the flames and heat were so intense.

WSOC