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Fire officials in Kannapolis will continue their investigation this morning into the cause of a fire that destroyed an apartment building Monday afternoon.
Authorities say a family of five had to jump to safety from a second-floor window. No serious injuries were reported, however.
The fire was reported about 4:15 p.m. at the Royal Oaks Gardens apartments, on Citadel Court, off Concord Lake Road.
Firefighters say they found heavy flames and smoke coming from the building, especially a corner apartment, when they arrived. Crews entered the building, trying to extinguish flames and help residents escape. But the fire was so intense that fire officials ordered crews out of the building, so they could fight the blaze from a defensive standpoint.
In all, 35 firefighters and emergency workers were called to the scene, with the Landis and Odell fire departments providing support for Kannapolis crews.
Before crews arrived, officials say, a mother and her four children jumped to safety. The mother caught the four children in her arms after jumping first.
The Cabarrus County chapter of the American Red Cross provided assistance to those displaced by the fire.
Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night, dealing with hot spots.
