Early Tuesday morning (9/30/08), the Charlotte Fire Communications center received numerous 911 calls reporting the Taco Bell Restaurant to be on fire at 9000 Providence Rd. First arriving FF's reported heavy smoke conditions and flames showing from this establishment located in the Arboretum Shopping Center.  It took nearly fifty (50) FF's just under 90 minutes to control the fire that destroyed this structure which was closed at the time. After an aggressive interior fire attack proved to be futile, the Incident Commander made the decision to remove the FF's for their safety and battle the blaze from an exterior position. Two nearby fire hydrants were utilized which allowed FF's to flow nearly 1,000 gallons of water per minute. The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force completed their on-scene investigation Tuesday afternoon and is looking for information from the public regarding this incident. Please call Crime Stoppers at # 704.334.1600.

 

Charlotte FF's work on scene at the Taco Bell fire South Charlotte.

Structure Fire/9000 Providence Road

 

Benchmarks

Dispatched – 05:15

First CFD Unit Arrives – 05:20 (Engine-9)

Control Time – 06:43

 CFD Personnel/Units

CFD – 50 / 10

Battalions 7,4 &5; Engines 9,19,24,12,32,16,29; Ladder 24,32; Rescue 3; and the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force

Structure/ Location

1-Story Fast Food Restaurant  

Cause & Origin/Damage Estimates

The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force determined that this fire was intentionally set. Charlotte Fire Officials estimates damage at approximately $1 million dollars-This restaurant was destroyed

Injuries/Accidents

No injuries reported

Evacuations/ Persons Displaced    This restaurant was closed at the time of the fire

Ladder #24 was one of ten fire companies called into service at this restaurant fire in South Charlotte