Jeff A. Chamer – The Charlotte Observer
Three Charlotte Fire Department firefighters were injured early Thursday morning while fighting a house fire in north Charlotte.
The department said crews arriving at about 2:43 a.m. saw heavy fire coming from a two-story home in the 2800 block of Grimes Street.
A mayday alarm was sounded at 2:58 a.m. while firefighters worked inside the home, and an immediate second alarm was called, instructing the firefighters to evacuate the building.
Queen City News reports the firefighters were operating on the second floor of the home when an unexpected fire phenomenon dramatically increased the volume of fire and related heat, prompting the Mayday.
The three injured firefighters were taken to a hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. Three residents inside the home, as well as their pets, were uninjured. The department said the family was alerted to the fire because of smoke detectors in the home and were able to escape.
After the firefighters evacuated, the department switched to battling the fire, which took about an hour to bring under control.
The fire is under investigation and the family is being assisted by American Red Cross.
STRUCTURE FIRE UPDATE: 2800 block Grimes St. Charlotte firefighters controlled the fire in 60 minutes. 1 mayday was transmitted and firefighter safely removed. 3 firefighters transported to area hospital. 2nd alarm companies are back in service. pic.twitter.com/E1CzCTkwcF
— Charlotte Fire Dept (@CharlotteFD) April 18, 2024
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