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Investigators believe a fire that seriously damaged an apartment complex started on a second-floor balcony, where there are no sprinklers. Nearly 100 people were displaced when the Alder's Point complex, near UNC School of the Arts, went up in flames Tuesday evening.
On Wednesday, firefighters were assessing damage and working to make the building safe so the official investigation can begin and so firefighters can retrieve essential medicines for the people who live there. Residents continue to wait to see when they can get in to collect their belongings.
"There are structural components literally laying in the second and first floor from the third floor and attic," said Assistant Fire Chief Robert Owens.
Owens said investigators believe the fire started on a second-floor balcony. The complex does not have sprinklers on balconies or in the attic, which may have contributed to the fire's ability to spread quickly.
The fire department estimated the damage to be $2 million.
The fire, which broke out around 5:30 p.m., destroyed at least 20 units at Alder's Point, an apartment complex for low-income seniors at the corner of Mock and Alder streets and sent at least 20 people into a Red Cross shelter set up at the nearby Sims Community Center. At least four apartments sustained serious water damage.
Two victims were rescued from the second floor, the fire department said Wednesday.
Ninety-seven of the 100 units in the three-story elevator complex were occupied, and residents of all 97 had to find alternate shelter Tuesday night as fire investigators tried to determine if the building was safe to live in. Alder's Point is a relatively new development that caters to elderly residents and is part of the rebuilt Happy Hills Gardens off Waughtown St.
Layers of thick smoke were reported several blocks from the scene late Tuesday afternoon, and it took firefighters nearly six hours to bring the fire under control.
A fire department spokesman said everyone in the building was safely evacuated with no deaths. Two residents were taken to the hospital for evaluation. A firefighter who collapsed due to heat exhaustion was also taken to the hospital.
In the light of day, the extent of the exterior damage could be seen. Much of the roof of the L-shaped building was totally destroyed, leaving a gaping hole. The fire department said damage was extensive in second- and third-floor apartments.
The police department stationed an officer at the complex overnight to keep residents and onlookers away, and utilities were disconnected to the entire building.
The fire department estimated property damage totaled $1.5 million and contents totaled $500,000.
690 Coliseum Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
On Wednesday, firefighters were assessing damage and working to make the building safe so the official investigation can begin and so firefighters can retrieve essential medicines for the people who live there. Residents continue to wait to see when they can get in to collect their belongings.
"There are structural components literally laying in the second and first floor from the third floor and attic," said Assistant Fire Chief Robert Owens.
Owens said investigators believe the fire started on a second-floor balcony. The complex does not have sprinklers on balconies or in the attic, which may have contributed to the fire's ability to spread quickly.
The fire department estimated the damage to be $2 million.
The fire, which broke out around 5:30 p.m., destroyed at least 20 units at Alder's Point, an apartment complex for low-income seniors at the corner of Mock and Alder streets and sent at least 20 people into a Red Cross shelter set up at the nearby Sims Community Center. At least four apartments sustained serious water damage.
Two victims were rescued from the second floor, the fire department said Wednesday.
Ninety-seven of the 100 units in the three-story elevator complex were occupied, and residents of all 97 had to find alternate shelter Tuesday night as fire investigators tried to determine if the building was safe to live in. Alder's Point is a relatively new development that caters to elderly residents and is part of the rebuilt Happy Hills Gardens off Waughtown St.
Layers of thick smoke were reported several blocks from the scene late Tuesday afternoon, and it took firefighters nearly six hours to bring the fire under control.
A fire department spokesman said everyone in the building was safely evacuated with no deaths. Two residents were taken to the hospital for evaluation. A firefighter who collapsed due to heat exhaustion was also taken to the hospital.
In the light of day, the extent of the exterior damage could be seen. Much of the roof of the L-shaped building was totally destroyed, leaving a gaping hole. The fire department said damage was extensive in second- and third-floor apartments.
The police department stationed an officer at the complex overnight to keep residents and onlookers away, and utilities were disconnected to the entire building.
The fire department estimated property damage totaled $1.5 million and contents totaled $500,000.
Want to Help?
Donations to the Northwest N.C. chapter of the Red Cross can be made at the following address:690 Coliseum Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
