20 displaced by fire in Huntersville apartment complex

Twenty people were safely evacuated after fire broke out in a Huntersville apartment complex early Friday, fire officials said.

The fire started at about 1:45 a.m. on one of two outdoor balconies at the Fairways at Birkdale complex on Streamview Drive, fire officials told WBTV, the Observer’s media partner. Streamview Drive is off Birkdale Commons Parkway near Birkdale Golf Club.

Nine apartments were damaged, the station reported.

Firefighters found flames on the two balconies and in an attic, the Huntersville Fire Department said on its Twitter account.

Firefighters said they helped evacuate residents from the second and third floors of the complex. The American Red Cross said it will help the displaced residents as needed.

The fire was controlled in 30 to 40 minutes, WBTV reported, and the cause is under investigation.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 6:06 AM with the headline "20 displaced by fire in Huntersville apartment complex."