Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte NC – Firefighters knocked down a stubborn condominium fire in south Charlotte Saturday afternoon, February 4^th, 2012.

At 3:58 PM Charlotte Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 6746 Constitution Lane. Crews from nearby Station 16 were first to arrive and reported heavy smoke issuing from the rear of a 2-story six-unit condominium; each unit approximately 1500 square feet.

Firefighters made haste to engage in an intense firefight with the well-entrenched fire by advancing hoselines to the main body of fire and searched the structure for occupants. Simultaneously, crews climbed ladders to the roof where they utilized gas chain saws to breach the roof allowing heat, smoke, and superheated gases to escape; this process is referred to vertical ventilation.

As crews worked to extinguish the flames, fire extended into hidden void spaces in portions of the attic space and intensified. Considering the volume of fire, the potential of the fire to advance, and the type construction of the building, Battalion Chief Tim Rogers (Incident Commander) transmitted a 2^nd Alarm summoning additional firefighters and resources to the scene.

A well-coordinated fire attack by 41 firefighters, 3 Battalion Chiefs, and 1 Deputy Chief resulted in the knockdown of the fire and bringing the incident under control in 50 minutes. Although no working smoke alarms were noted, no injuries were reported.

(2) Units were affected and (3) occupants were displaced. The fire began in a storage room and was most likely caused by combustible materials left in close proximity of a gas water heater. Damage caused by fire, smoke, and fire control to fixed property and contents were estimated at $100,000.

Eternally committed to duty and service,

Mark Basnight

Public Information Officer

Office of Media and Public Affairs

Charlotte Fire Department