Last night dozens of fires broke out all over the Charlotte region as residents illegally set off fireworks around their neighborhoods and city streets to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day.
This photo was sent to us from Bill Gray, who said the massive fire started in the Berryhill area around 10pm last night, just moments after a series of fireworks were set off in West Charlotte. He noted that the fire “appeared to be very aggressive until FD showed up. Not certain of exact location but very near Walkers Cove Trail or Elcar Drive.”
Fire departments all around the Charlotte region worked tirelessly through the night to put out the blazes;
*Structure Fire* 8900 blk Happiness Road, all three Harrisburg stations enroute to a possible structure fire. Assisted by Concord Fire and Flowes Store VFD. Please use caution in the area.
— Harrisburg Fire (@HarrisburgFire) July 5, 2018
12:30am Pineville Fire responded to a vehicle fire. On arrival 2 cars fully involved. E4 got a quick knockdown with no injuries. Please always make sure you dispose of used and unused fireworks properly. pic.twitter.com/R1OdWzr9DR
— Pineville Fire Dept. (@PinevilleFire) July 5, 2018
FAMILY ESCAPES HOUSE FIRE: Dozens of firefighters battled an intense blaze at a Mooresville home, drawing water from a nearby lake. @HMonroeFox46 reports. https://t.co/1mwy3RlRsT
— FOX 46 Charlotte (@FOX46News) July 5, 2018
Mel Renzo with the Charlotte Fire Department urged Charlotteans to let the professionals handle the fireworks, saying;
Hope y’all enjoyed your #4thofJuly b/c I certainly did. Fought some fire last night do to someone’s illegal use of fireworks 🤦🏾♂️. All in all it’s an honor to be able to do what I do for a living. Serving the great city of #Charlotte through service and duty is a rewarding feeling. I truly thank God for giving me the opportunity to save lives and make a difference in my community. Grateful to be a firefighter and humbled to be apart of a dope crew known as the #HighRollers. PS please leave the pyro to the professionals!
Every year thousands of Charlotte residents drive down to South Carolina to buy fireworks and smuggle them across the border. Since most Charlotteans live in small-lot subdivisions, townhomes, and apartment complexes, the illegal fireworks are usually set off in close proximity to other homes, trees, and cars.
This was a common sight in most neighborhoods around Charlotte last night;
This Charlotte resident lit off a series of fireworks just inches from a wooden fence;
PSA – if you ever set off fireworks, please make sure that you are not close to any flammable structures, cars, other people, dry wood, or anything else that might be damaged or set on fire by explosions and smoldering embers, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby!
How do you feel about illegal firework displays in Charlotte?