Specialized dog helps firefighters determine Charlotte bar fire was set

Credit: Charlotte Fire Dept.

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

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.

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

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