Charlotte Fire Department

On Friday January 8, 2010 at 4:40 am (22) units from the Charlotte Fire Department including (8) Engine Companies, (4) Ladder Companies, (1) Heavy Rescue Company, (3) Water Tankers, (3) Battalion Chiefs, and (3) Fire Investigators were called to service for reports of a structure fire at the Emerald Point Condominiums in Southwest Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station 38 were first to arrive and reported heavy fire and smoke showing from a 3^rd floor unit at 9801 Emerald Point Drive. A working fire was declared and a 2^nd alarm was transmitted bringing additional firefighters and apparatus to the scene. Firefighters used nearby fire hydrants to establish a water supply supporting multiple hoselines deployed in an effort to knockdown this well-entrenched fire and keep the flames from spreading. Firefighters from Engine 38 and Ladder 26 used a 40-foot ground ladder at the rear of the structure to rescue (2) female occupants trapped on the 3^rd floor because their stairway was blocked by smoke and fire. (62) Firefighters were needed to knockdown the fire and bring it under control in 90 minutes, but not before the fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage. At least (9) units were damaged as a result of this fire displacing numerous residents. The Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to assist families displaced by this early morning fire. Fire Investigators determined that this fire was intentionally set and have made an arrest. Stephen Anthony O’Brien has been taken into custody and charged with first-degree arson. There were no injuries associated with this incident.

Submitted by:

Rob Brisley | Captain | PIO