ATF offers $10,000 reward in South End apartment fire

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A massive three-alarm fire early Monday morning at townhomes under construction in the South End has been ruled arson.

An off-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer reported the fire over his radio.

“Hurry up, because it's -- looks like it's burning pretty good," a man reported on radio traffic obtained by Channel 9.

PHOTOS: 3-alarm condo fire in South End

It took 60 firefighters an hour to put out the fire while crews evacuated nearby apartments.

"There was a lot of smoke. The smoke is actually what woke us up out of bed," Megan Mullins, who lives in apartments near the construction area, said.

On Tuesday, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives officials said they are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information on the fire.

About 10 hours after the fire was reported, firefighters confirmed that the construction site became a crime scene after investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Construction crews told Channel 9 that they found clothing inside one of the townhomes last week. Staff at Midnight Diner across the street said they've seen people being chased out of the construction area.

Eyewitness News anchor Liz Foster asked fire officials if the fire could have been started by someone squatting inside.

“Right now, anything is under investigation," Capt. Jackie Gilmore said.

Some of the high-end four-story townhomes cost $900,000.

CMPD estimates that the total damage is at least $2 million.

"It's so sad to see such a nice building go up in flames," Mullins said.

Channel 9 called the company selling the townhomes.

A representative said the company has no idea how long construction will be held up, especially now that this is a criminal investigation.

The Charlotte Fire Department is asking anyone with information or video of the fire to call the department at 704-336-3970 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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