An early-morning duplex fire in Chapel Hill sent eight residents scrambling from their homes Saturday, but no one was hurt as town firefighters moved quickly to keep the flames from jumping to the neighboring unit.
Chapel Hill Fire Department crews were dispatched at 6:10 a.m. to a structure fire at Old University Station Road at Weaver Dairy Road. When they arrived, they found flames coming from the back of one side of the duplex. Fire officials said the blaze was held to that single unit, while the attached residence took on mostly smoke and water damage, displacing a total of eight people, as reported by Chapelboro.
Fast Work, No Injuries
“We’re grateful to share there are no reports of injuries,” Fire Chief Jay Mebane said, crediting firefighters for their rapid response and containment efforts. He told Chapelboro that the American Red Cross was responding to assist the eight residents who could not return home after the fire.
Investigators remained on scene Saturday morning. Officials said the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Why Speed Made a Difference
The town’s fire department lists Station 4 on Weaver Dairy Road Ext. among its active stations, which helps put crews close to calls in this part of Chapel Hill, according to the Town of Chapel Hill Fire Department. That proximity likely helped firefighters get water on the flames fast enough to limit heavy damage to just one side of the duplex and reduce the risk to nearby homes.
Structure fires keep forcing families out of their homes across the country. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates there were roughly 344,600 residential building fires in 2023 and notes that cooking and electrical problems remain among the most common causes, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Next Steps for Displaced Residents
Fire investigators will continue to examine the Chapel Hill duplex and town officials said they will share updates if new information becomes available.
Residents who need shelter or recovery assistance can reach out to the American Red Cross, and local emergency and shelter contacts are also listed by Orange County.
