Arson caused 2-alarm fire in NE Charlotte apartment building, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) - Five people are without a home after crews with the Charlotte Fire Department battled a two-alarm fire early Thursday morning at an apartment complex in northeast Charlotte.

The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force determined that the fire had been intentionally set.

The massive fire broke out around 4:45 a.m. Thursday, March 7 at Hunters Pointe Apartment Homes in the 1800 block of Prospect Drive. Fifty firefighters responded to the scene and got the large fire under control in about 50 minutes.

Residents affected by the early morning fire briefly stayed inside a CATS bus provided by authorities to keep warm while fire crews work to take out hot spots.

Luckily, no injuries were reported. The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force and CMPD's Arson Task Force said the fire was estimated to have caused more than $200,000 in damage

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools released a statement Thursday:

"Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is working with Charlotte Fire Department, law enforcement, emergency responders and relief agencies to assess impacts on families affected by this morning's apartment fire. CMS is acting to meet the needs of affected students and their families and asks for the support of the community for our neighbors who need assistance. The district will update information as this situation develops."