Chason Ridge Apartments fire displaces several residents
As seen in the Fayetteville Observer:
By Drew Brooks and Nancy McCleary
Staff writers
Firefighters worked about two hours Sunday morning to contain a fire at the Chason Ridge apartment complex.
The three-story, 20-unit building caught fire at about 6 a.m., according to resident Serena House. The smoke alarms went off, she said, and police knocked on doors to get people to leave their apartments in the 5700 building.
The apartment complex is located behind Target and Best Buy stores off Skibo Road.
Fayetteville firefighters were called to the scene at 6:11 a.m., according to Battalion Commander Richard Bradshaw.
No injuries were reported, and the fire's cause has not been determined, officials said.
Fire Commander Eric Tipton said the fire was accidental and appears to have started on a third floor balcony.
"I've lived here 10 years, and I've never seen anything like this," Sharon Daughterty said.
Many residents were standing outside wrapped in blankets as firefighters tried to control the fire.
The Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross said Sunday it assisted a dozen families from Chason Ridge, providing food, clothing and temporary housing.
Ron Thompson, emergency services director for the chapter, said several families were out of town during the weekend and were expected to seek assistance today.
Bradshaw said firefighters en route from near Westover High School could see the glow of the fire from near Bonanza Drive and Morganton Road.
By the afternoon, a haze of smoke still could be seen from nearby Skibo Road.
Workers at the apartment complex were busy salvaging furniture and other belongings after emergency personnel left, but yellow tape and a "Danger Keep Out" sign was posted at the building's entrance.
Busy weekend
Sunday capped a weekend that was unusually busy for area firefighters.
High winds, dryness and low humidity led to increased fire danger from Friday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh.
Firefighters were busiest on Saturday, when what was characterized as "explosive" fire conditions led to dozens of fires being reported across the region.
Thompson said the fires also had put a strain on the local Red Cross chapter and that it had been exacerbated by the down economy.
"The chapter has been responding to an abnormally high amount of fires over the last three months, and with donations down due to the economy, the dollars are having to stretch farther then ever," Thompson said in an email. "Even with the lower donations, the chapter will be able to meet the needs of clients who are affected by local disasters."
Staff writer Drew Brooks can be reached at brooksd@fayobserver.com or 486-3567.Staff writer Nancy McCleary can be reached at mcclearyn@fayobserver.com or 486-3568.