Sean and Laura Kennedy showed up at their Matthews house Tuesday morning expecting to check on a renovation. Instead, they found what was left of it. An overnight fire had ripped through the home, leaving the roof collapsed and a gaping hole carved into the upper level. The couple said they had already moved their pets and many of their belongings out for the construction work, so no one was inside when the flames broke out. Stunned by the destruction, they said they were simply grateful no one was hurt.
The fire was reported around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday on Hinson Drive near Sardis Road in Matthews, according to WBTV. Investigators quickly converged on the scene, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Fire response and damage
Charlotte Fire Department Division Chief Justin Phillips told WBTV that about 50 firefighters from Charlotte, along with one company from Matthews, responded to the call. Crews brought the fire under control in roughly 25 minutes. By that time, though, the home had taken a serious hit: the roof was gone and a large hole had opened into the upper level, the Kennedys said. No injuries were reported.
Why renovations raise fire risk
Renovation work often involves “hot work,” such as welding, cutting or grinding, along with temporary electrical set ups that can ignite nearby combustibles, the National Fire Protection Association warns. NFPA research found an average of about 4,580 structure fires per year linked to hot work from 2014 to 2018, with roughly 43% occurring in homes and causing significant injuries and property losses. Experts say hot work permits, a designated fire watch and clearing out nearby combustibles are critical whenever work produces sparks.
What comes next
Investigators remained on scene Tuesday as the Kennedys began the painstaking process of assessing the damage and working with their insurer to figure out next steps. The couple said a neighbor called early Tuesday to alert them to the fire, and their focus now is on recovery and eventual repairs. Officials have not released a cause, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the blaze to contact investigators.
