Massive Early Morning Apartment Blaze Displaces Families

CHARLOTTE, NC — More than 50 Charlotte firefighters were called in to battle an early morning fire at an apartment complex in east Charlotte early Monday morning. The devastating blaze left numerous families displaced, according to one report.

The fire at the Stone Gate Apartments located at 855 Southwood Oaks Lane, off Reddman Road, was reported around 6 a.m., according to the Charlotte Fire Department. The team of more than 50 firefighters had the blaze out in about 40 minutes, it said.

According to WSOC, dozens of families were displaced and that some residents were barely able to escape. One resident, who was roused from sleep by the fire alarm, told the station she burned her hand when she reached for the doorknob to get out.

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The American Red Cross is assisting the families affected by the fire, WSOC said. According to the disaster relief organization, it responds to a disaster situation, the majority of which are house fires, on average every eight seconds.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.

Photo via Digital Storm/Shutterstock