Specialized dog helps firefighters determine Charlotte bar fire was set

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte fire officials are investigating after they said an early morning fire at a bar and grill in the Belmont neighborhood was set on purpose.

Firefighters were called to the Recess Charlotte bar around 6:30 a.m. and saw smoke rising from the business.

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Channel 9 crews were there as firefighters got the fire under control. They then brought in an investigative dog to help them determine that the fire was arson.

The dog, a Labrador brought in from Union County, was hoisted above the building and then lowered down to sniff out accelerants.

Officials estimate the fire caused roughly $35,000 in damage.

There is still no word on who may have set the fire, or why.

Cox Media Group