Charlotte, NC (December 26, 2024) – Tragedy struck early Christmas morning as an apartment fire claimed the lives of two individuals and three cats in east Charlotte. According to the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD), the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 AM on the 3500 block of Spanish Quarter Circle near N. Sharon Amity Rd.
Firefighters responded to reports of a smoke odor and arrived to find no visible signs of smoke or fire from the exterior. However, the strong smell of smoke prompted crews to use thermal imaging cameras to locate the fire inside the apartment. They successfully extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other units in the building.
Sadly, two individuals were discovered inside the apartment. They were treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. Three cats were also found and pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities identified unattended burning candles in the living room as the fire’s cause.
CFD reported that the unit was equipped with a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector, but neither functioned due to the removed batteries. No other residents were displaced as the fire was contained to a single apartment.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” officials stated, urging residents to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly and to ensure batteries remain installed.
Fire Safety in North Carolina
Apartment fires, like the one on Spanish Quarter Circle, are devastating reminders of the importance of fire safety. According to fire safety data, unattended candles are a leading cause of house fires during the holiday season. The combination of flammable decorations, increased use of heating devices, and holiday activities further elevate the risk.
Residents are encouraged to adopt preventive measures, such as:
- Use flameless, battery-operated candles instead of traditional ones.
- Installing and maintaining working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Testing alarms monthly and replacing batteries promptly when needed.
- Keeping flammable items away from heat sources.
Smoke alarms reduce the risk of death in a residential fire by nearly half when functioning correctly. Fire departments across North Carolina stress that even a few minutes of delay in detecting a fire can have catastrophic consequences.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a fire, Local Accident Reports can provide guidance and resources for recovery and assistance.