9 families displaced after massive fire rips through east Charlotte apartments

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several families are without their homes after a massive fire broke out at apartments in east Charlotte Sunday afternoon, officials said.

Firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at about 2:40 p.m. at the Links at Citiside Apartments, off Eastway Drive near the Plaza. Flames broke out on the third floor of one of the buildings.

“So when we got out of the house, the third floor was already gone up there,” said resident Shelly Ann Brooks.

Neighbors were going around banging on doors, and that is how Montoya Christian was alerted that she needed to evacuate.

“People kept knocking on the door. A military guy, some guy from the military kept saying, ‘Get out, we need you guys to get out, get out.’ And when we opened the door, we just got swarmed with smoke, and I was like, 'We got to get out. We got to get down the stairs,” Christian said.

The Charlotte Fire Department said no one was hurt in the fire, but 12 apartments were damaged. Fifteen adults, 19 children and one dog were displaced, officials said.

Officials said more than 40 firefighters got the flames under control in 46 minutes.

“Being an apartment complex on a Sunday, everybody is home due to COVID. Even in the day, everybody is home. It’s very important to get on the scene as quick as we can," said Capt. Jackie Gilmore.

After investigating, officials said the fire was determined to be accidental due to improperly discarded smoking material. The estimated property loss is $300,000.

Charlotte Fire said the Red Cross is helping property management with nine families that were displaced.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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