Firefighters hurt battling massive, multiple-home fire in Charlotte’s Steele Creek area

Two firefighters were injured battling a fire that damaged several homes in Charlotte’s Steele Creek area Wednesday morning.

The fire broke out off Selkirkshire Road near Dixie River Road around 3 a.m. Two homes suffered major damage, while at least five homes total were affected, according to firefighters at the scene.

Two firefighters were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Medic also said earlier that at least one person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. It is not clear if there was a third injury or if the first transport was in fact one of the two firefighters.

Smoke could be seen pouring from the homes as crews worked to extinguish the fire.

The two homes that suffered the most damage will be a total loss, according to firefighters. The families were able to make it out safely.

Neighbors say they are heartbroken for the families affected. At least one neighbor is hoping the community will come together to help those impacted.

Sky3 flew over the damaged homes. At least two of the homes appeared to be gutted by the fire.

This fire did a lot of damage. Families have been out here all day looking at what happened— salvaging what they can, but mostly trying to make sense of it all.

”Just seeing the fire and it engulf it’s violating I think,” says Tracy Balentine.

Balentine was woken up at four o’clock Wednesday morning when her son saw the flames from his window. Her family stood outside watching the fire tear.

”I feel what they’re not to the extent that they’re feeling but it was scary for all of us,” she says.

Night turning to day offered a clearer picture of the devastation--caved roofs, blackened hallways and melted siding.

”I’m so grateful to God,” she says. “That He cut the fire out it didn’t spread more than it could and the grace of God will be with these families.”

For two families, the homes they knew are now unsafe to live in—and are considered a total loss. Salvaged belongings were brought out on to sidewalks and in yards, but they still have each other.

”I went over there to check on them and comfort them. They’re all OK. That’s the most important thing to me that they were fine, and the children were fine,” says Monica Hughes.

Hughes also lives across the street. She says this tight-knit community is already rallying behind the families.

”Whatever you would want people to do if your house burned down that’s what you should do. I mean it could happen to anyone,” says Hughes.

The neighbors are already collecting clothes and donations. Balentine says the neighborhood is just getting started.

”They will rebuild and if they need our help we’re all here,” says Balentine.

There is no word on what may have sparked the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

This story was originally published December 30, 2020 at 10:40 AM.