Three-alarm fire under investigation in Uptown, firefighters say

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Fire Department is investigating a massive fire that was intentionally set in Uptown early Thursday morning.

Firefighters said the incident began around 2 a.m. at a home on Margaret Brown Street near Frazier Park.

Channel 9 reporter Eli Brand learned that the home had been vacant; however, the fire managed to spread to an apartment complex next door.

Firefighters said multiple buildings were damaged in this fire, and six people had to be evaluated by first responders. One of those people eventually had to be taken to an area hospital for treatment.

The American Red Cross will be assisting all displaced residents.

At the scene, Channel 9 observed that one of the buildings had completely collapsed and a few others had scorch marks all over them.

The fire eventually reached three alarms before it was brought under control, according to firefighters.

A person who lives nearby told Channel 9 that they watched the entire incident as it unfolded.

“It’s like this entire building is destroyed. It’s three or four buildings that have been damaged by fire. It’s just absolutely insane,” the witness described.

Another neighbor said he was just grateful to be alive.

“First off, I was glad I was alive. That’s the main thing. You can replace material things; it’s just money. I’m lucky I made it out with my health,” neighbor Frank Wohlfarth said.

Wohlfarth said he had to run out of his house as quickly as possible, even jumping a fence to get to safety.

He said the incident highlighted something very important for him.

“Definitely a reminder to spend time with the people you love, doing the things you love. Life is short. Make the most of it. Give back and take care of your fellow man,” Wohlfarth elaborated.

Firefighters said the building that collapsed had been intentionally set on fire on Wednesday, but they were able to extinguish it.

It caught fire again Thursday morning, causing it to burn completely to the ground. The cause of the second fire remains under investigation.

One of the neighbors who was displaced by the fire is accepting help at this link.

This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates.

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