A house fire near the intersection of Erwin Road and Sage Road in Chapel Hill on Monday left eight people, six children and two adults, without a home. The blaze led the town to temporarily close Erwin Road between Sage Road and River Birch Lane while firefighters worked the scene. Officials said there were no injuries and that the American Red Cross had been notified to assist the displaced residents.
Town officials: family displaced, Red Cross alerted
Town officials told CBS17 that eight people, including six children, were left without a home and that volunteers from the American Red Cross have been contacted to assist. Chapel Hill Fire Department crews stayed on scene to extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the property, according to the town.
Recent neighborhood fires raise concern
This fire follows other damaging blazes in Chapel Hill this spring. On May 11 a house fire near Erwin and Weaver Dairy roads left one person dead, according to WRAL. In February a duplex fire forced eight residents from their homes, the town's news release said.
Aid and what residents should do
The American Red Cross typically coordinates emergency shelter and basic needs for displaced households, and residents seeking help can find local resources on the organization's website at American Red Cross. Drivers were asked to avoid the Erwin Road corridor while emergency crews worked to secure the scene and investigate.
Investigation underway
Town officials said investigators will work to determine the cause of the fire and will release details when they are available, according to CBS17. The stretch of Erwin Road remained closed temporarily to ensure a clear working area for fire and safety personnel.
