Charlotte Fire Dept. urges residents to use smoke detectors after fire claimed two lives Christmas morning

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte neighborhood spent Christmas mourning after a fire claimed two lives. Charlotte Fire Department says around 3:34 a.m. Christmas day, it responded to reports of a smoke odor around the 3500 block of Spanish Quarter Circle. When rescuers arrived, they did not find any flames or smoke. After searching the Greenbryre Apartment Homes complex, investigators found the presence of a fire inside an apartment by using thermal imaging cameras.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames, and prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring apartments. Rescuers confirmed that during a search of the apartment, three dead cats were found. Two people were also found and transported to a nearby hospital by MEDIC. Charlotte Fire Department announced two hours later that both people died while being treated.

Charlotte Fire says the cause of the fire was unattended burning candles. Rescuers also found a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector that were not functioning as the batteries had been removed. No other occupants in the apartment building were displaced due to the fire.

“During this holiday week, our community has been struck by tragedy, with three lives lost in separate fire incidents. Charlotte Fire extends our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones impacted by these devastating events. In light of these recent incidents, including those caused by unattended candles, we urge everyone to prioritize fire safety in their homes,” Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson said.

Charlotte Fire provided the below list of tips to help avoid accidents:

“Never leave candles unattended. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, this includes curtains, paper, and decorations. Use sturdy candle holders. Ensure candles are in holders that won’t tip over easily and are heat-resistant. Consider flameless candles. Battery-operated flameless candles provide the same ambiance without the risk of fire,” said a representative of Charlotte Fire Department. “Test your smoke detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries regularly. Change the batteries at least once a year or when the detector chirps. Install smoke detectors in key areas. Place them in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home. Replace smoke detectors every 10 years. Check the manufacturer’s date and replace outdated devices.”