A significant fire erupted at the Jamesbridge Apartments on Advantage Way in Raleigh, necessitating a substantial response from the Memphis Fire Department (MFD). The blaze, which began yesterday evening, caused extensive damage, impacting 17 units and tallying losses estimated at over $700,000; the building sustained $540,000 in damages, with contents accounting for an additional $180,000 in loss, as reported by WREG.
As per the account by FOX13, the fire reportedly originated on the first floor, more than a dozen MFD vehicles were dispatched to the scene, where firefighters worked to control and extinguish hot spots as a large plume of black smoke could be seen for miles, the fire department actively engaged from around 3 p.m. to manage the situation and combat the flames, which spread with ferocity through the complex.
No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident. In a statement obtained by Action News 5, at least eight units were confirmed to be completely destroyed, with the fire call having come in at 2:48 p.m. Assistance for those displaced by the fire is being coordinated by the Red Cross, although the exact number of individuals requiring help has yet to be disclosed.
Dramatic testimonies were shared with FOX13; one such account involved a resident who was napping when alerted by a cousin's call of the imminent danger, she expressed profound relief that no fatalities or injuries occurred. In the aftermath of the fire, MFD and the Red Cross have been working to ensure that all affected residents have shelter, particularly due to the extreme cold temperatures. The ongoing investigation seeks to determine the cause of the fire, details which are yet to be revealed.
