Charlotte Fire Department

11713 Carmel Lakes Drive

Three adults were displaced as the result two-house fires this weekend. Both fires which Fire Investigators say began in the kitchens caused an estimated $75,000 in damage and left three adult occupants displaced.

On Sunday 4/11/10 shortly after 10 a.m. firefighters were first called to 11713 Carmel Lakes Drive for reports of a house on fire in south Charlotte. Firefighters from nearby Station #24 were first to arrive and reported heavy fire and smoke issuing from a 2-story home. Firefighters mounted an aggressive interior fire attack and knock-downed the bulk of the flames, but not before the fire caused extensive damage. While teams of firefighters searched the home they were able to rescue several cats and subsequently administer oxygen to them utilizing pet oxygen masks.

In all, 28 cats were accounted for, 24 survived, 4 perished. (12) Units from the Charlotte Fire Department including 4 Engine Companies, 1 Ladder Company, 1 Heavy Rescue Company, 2 Battalion Chiefs, 1 Hazardous Materials Response Team, and 2 Fire Investigators were called to bring this fire under control in one hour and twelve minutes. The lone adult female occupant was able to escape without injury, but was displaced as a result of the damage caused to the home. Fire Investigators determined this fire originated in the kitchen and the cause was accidental. Damage estimates were at $25,000.

2225 Irma Street

Just before 8 pm Sunday evening on 4/11/10, firefighters were called to the 2225 Irma Street in northwest Charlotte for reports of a house on fire; the second on this day. Firefighters from nearby Station #18 were first to arrive and reported smoke and fire showing from this one-story single family home.

Firefighters opened the roof (providing ventilation) to allow super-heated gases and smoke to escape while using hose lines to knockdown this well entrenched fire. Two male occupants were forced to jump out of windows in order escape the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters. One of the occupants suffered burns and was transported to Carolinas Medical Center, but is expected to recover. (1) Cat perished. (11) Units from the Charlotte Fire Department including 4 Engine Companies, 1 Ladder Company, 1 Heavy Rescue Company, 2 Battalion Chiefs, and 2 Fire Investigators were called to the scene to bring this fire under control in 25 minutes. Fire investigators said the fire originated in the kitchen and was ruled accidental; the home was a total loss estimated at $50,000.

Charlotte Fire Officials would like to remind the community at-large to ‘Stay Safe, Stay Alive’ and remember to STAY IN THE KITCHEN WHEN COOKING, AVOID DISTRACTIONS, and DON’T COOK WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPY.

Submitted by:

Mark Basnight | Captain