Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte Fire Department

News Media After Action Report


Report # 112908-038

RE: Apartment Fire/ 726 N. Wendover Rd, Wendover Glen Apartments

Benchmarks
Dispatched – 2:01 pm
First CFD Unit Arrives – 2:04 (E-14)
Control Time – 2:28 pm

CFD Personnel/Units
CFD – 40/12
Battalions 1, 4, 3, Engines 14, 1, 3, 6, 8, 64, Ladder 1, 4, Rescue 3

Structure/ Location
Two-story multi-family dwelling of wood frame construction

Cause & Origin/Damage Estimates
Ruled accidental and caused by the improper use of an unserviceable fireplace. The fireplace was not meant for use after the apartments were remodeled some time ago. Damages estimates are $150 - $200K

Injuries/Accidents
NO INJURIES

Evacuations/ Persons Displaced
The Red Cross assisted the occupants of at least six apartments in regards to temporary housing.

Smoke Detectors
Present

Incident Synopsis
FF’s responded to reports of an apartment fire @ the Wendover Glen Apartments just after 2 pm Saturday afternoon. First arriving firefighter’s encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions and called for additional resources which brought a 2nd alarm assignment to the scene. It took forty FF’s just about thirty minutes to control this blaze which destroyed one unit and caused significant damage to three other units. The blaze was caused by the occupants of the fire apartment using a (cosmetic) fireplace that was not meant for use and caused an estimated $150 - $200K in damages. There were no injuries to report, but the Red Cross was called to assist several families who were displaced with temporary housing.


#END#CFD – PIO - MB