‘I have nothing left’: Families displaced after flames gut Pineville apartments

Tenants were forced to flee their homes but officials told Channel 9 that no injuries were reported.

Within minutes, dozens of firefighters from Pineville and Charlotte arrived and immediately went door to door, trying to get neighbors out.

“I probably would have ended up dead if they hadn’t knocked on my door and woke me up, baby,” said resident Barbra Burch. “I’m going to my girlfriend’s house. I guess you got to take me shopping or go shopping for me because I ain’t got no clothes except for my gown. Oh Lord, have mercy.”

Many residents grabbed what they could, and then watched their homes burn while they stood outside in the frigid weather.

Channel 9 spoke with Arritta Pruitt, a resident at the apartment complex.

“My apartment is gone,” Pruitt said. “There’s nothing…it’s gone.”

Pruitt took a deep breath and pointed to what had been her home for seven years, until Sunday night.

“Someone knocked on my door -- they were knocking on everyone’s door screaming, ‘Fire! Fire! Get out, get out,’” she said.

Fire officials said at least 16 apartment units were destroyed or damaged. Those units were unlivable.

The night was breathing fire and spitting smoke into the darkness as the Pineville Fire Department told Channel 9 they struggled to get enough water pressure into their lines. Flames raced from one end of the building to the other.

“It was like trinklets of water and it just took a while,” Pruitt said. “It started on that end down there and everything burned down.”

[ ‘It was scary’: Early morning fire guts several apartments in east Charlotte ]

“This is scary, this is scary stuff,” Burch said. “And everything I owned is up in that apartment, burnt up.”

Channel 9 crews could see dozens of people standing outside as the fire burned, and firefighters were still working to put out hot spots around 2 a.m.

“I have nothing left but what I have in my car and on my back,” said resident Ashawnda Martin.

(WATCH BELOW: Reporter Anthony Kustura’s LIVE updates from the scene)

Several CATS busses were brought to the complex to help keep those displaced warm. The American Red Cross was also called to help those who may have lost so much, right before the holidays.

“Hopefully, they can still celebrate a little bit and be cheerful around this time,” said witness Lana Gibson.

“That’s what we are going to focus on next, salvage some things that are near and dear to them,” said Pineville Fire Chief Mike Gerin. “You know, they face these challenges being displaced, so if we can give a little back to them, that’s our main focus now.”

Gerin said he was one of the first firemen to arrive.

“I know there was water coming off the hydrant,” Gerin said. “I can’t tell you exactly how many gallons per minute was coming off the hydrant, but at the end of the day, do I wish I had an infinite amount of water? Yes, 100%.”

At least 12 people were displaced by the fire, which destroyed 14 units, according to the Red Cross.

“I’m in good spirits because I’m still here,” Pruitt said. “I can replace all those things. There are things I can’t replace, but I’m here.”

The Pineville Fire Department was investigating what could have sparked the fire. Channel 9 asked about the reason for low water pressure and officials did not seem to know just yet. The apartment complex has its own hydrant system which they’re in charge of maintaining, but there is no information yet saying if that was a factor.

“At the end of the day, we consider it a win when there’s no loss of life, there’s no injuries,” Gerin said. “Buildings can be rebuilt. Lives cannot.”

[ IMAGES: Pineville apartment fire ]

Resident Jackie Black said there has been issues with the water pressure in the past.

“Yes, a lot. A lot,” Black said. “About three times a month the water will be cut off all day.”

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

(WATCH BELOW: Massive fire destroys several apartment units in Pineville)