Apartment fire leaves family of 7, including 6 children, without a home

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A family of seven is without a home after flames broke out inside their east Charlotte apartment early Friday.

Fire crews were called around 4:30 a.m. to the apartment complex on Perth Court, near The Plaza.

In only a few minutes, the flames caused thousands of dollars in damage, from shattered glass to a torched teddy bear.

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More than 20 firefighters were able to get the fire under control in about 10 minutes.

Investigators said an electrical issue caused the fire and that nobody was hurt.

Dealing with the devastation can be especially overwhelming with the holidays approaching and the cold weather setting in.

The unit is not safe to live in though, and the American Red Cross is helping the family, which includes six children. Volunteers arrived in their utility truck to help in ay way they could, as the family tried to salvage items.

“As a former firefighter, I know it’s devastating to a family,” said Red Cross volunteer Bud Frank. “Everything you have is gone.”

The organization provides essentials to help families get back on their feet as they navigate their next steps without a home.

“Diapers for the babies, a backpack for the school-aged kids, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, you name it,” Frank said.

The Red Cross provides short-term assistance in the days following a tragedy like a house fire. Families are then referred to other agencies to receive long-term help if they need it.

Cox Media Group