Just after 10:30 Monday morning, Charlotte Fire Communications received two calls reporting fire at the Runaway Bay Apartments in east Charlotte. Other callers stated the fire involved a natural gas line and construction equipment working near the apartment building. The first arriving firefighters found heavy fire conditions, with fire consuming the end apartments at 8328 Runaway  Bay Drive. Eventually the incident went to a third alarm, bringing more than fifty-five firefighters and the Hazardous Materials response team to the scene. The fire took over an hour to control; no injuries were reported and fire officials put damage estimates at over $500K. The American Red Cross responded quickly to assist ten families with emergency housing. The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force determined that the cause was damage to an underground gas line caused by a construction crew that led to the escaping gas catching fire.

 

 

Capt Rob Brisley CFD PIO # 704.336.2094