Early morning apartment fire intentionally set, says CMPD. Five people lost their homes

A two-alarm fire that heavily damaged a northeast Charlotte apartment building early Thursday is now being investigated as an arson, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

No one was injured in the blaze, first reported at 4:32 a.m. Thursday. However, it caused $200,000 in damage at the Hunters Pointe Apartments and left five people homeless, CMPD said in a press release.

“During the investigation, members of the CMPD’s Arson Task Force and the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force determined that the fire had been intentionally set,” said the release.

CMPD did not give details of how the fire was started or if there is a suspect in the case.

Investigators said they are seeking tips from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity Thursday morning in the 1800 block of Prospect Drive. The apartments are near the intersection of W. Sugar Creek Road and Interstate 85.

The Charlotte Fire Department said in a tweet that crews arrived at the scene to find “heavy fire showing.” More than 50 firefighters responded after a second alarm was issued, said fire department officials.

The flames were brought under control at about 5:30 a.m., fire officials said in a tweet.

One person was inside the building when it caught fire, but was able to escape without help, according to WCNC.

WSOC reported much of the damage was to the apartment leasing office, along with four nearby apartments. Another 21 units were left without power, the station said.

The Observer’s news partner WBTV reports the Red Cross and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are offering relief aid to the displaced families.

The station reported multiple structures were impacted by the flames.

This story was originally published March 7, 2019 at 5:52 AM.