ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. — A person was injured during an apartment fire just before noon in Burlington on Thursday, fire officials say.
Firefighters were called to 1515 South Mebane St., where they found smoke coming from a second-floor apartment unit. They also found a burn victim who had been helped out of the burning apartment by neighbors.
Before crews arrived, maintenance personnel used a portable fire extinguisher through the window where the fire started which helped to keep the fire from spreading.
After fire crews put out the remaining flames, investigators found a lamp that fell onto flammable materials in a bedroom, which they determined started the fire.
Fire officials said the victim was taken to UNC Hospitals to be treated for their burns.
Two cats also died from smoke inhalation in the apartment unit.
The estimated value of contents lost due to the fire is $10,000, while the damage to the building is estimated to be $30,000.
"The Burlington Fire Department wishes to remind the public that in addition to having working smoke alarms in all occupancies, it is also recommended to have a working portable fire extinguisher. Making entry into burning buildings is generally discouraged given the likelihood of someone also being injured or killed. The actions of the maintenance personnel discharging a fire extinguisher from the exterior of the building undoubtedly contributed to improving the situation and may ultimately serve to have saved the occupant’s life. The Burlington Fire Department would like to sincerely thank those personnel for their efforts."
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