A major fire tore through an apartment complex on University Drive in Durham on Sunday, sending thick smoke over nearby blocks and pulling in a heavy emergency response. Neighbors described a packed scene, with multiple engines, ladder trucks, and ambulances lining the street as firefighters worked the blaze well into the afternoon.
What broadcasters reported
According to ABC11, Durham firefighters were working a large fire at an apartment complex after first responders were dispatched to University Drive on Sunday morning. The station reported it had a crew on the scene and was working to learn more about tenants and the extent of the damage.
Eyewitness reports point to University Ridge
Local residents shared photos and running updates on Reddit, identifying the scene as 3611 University Drive and naming the complex as University Ridge. Property listings and business directories list 3611 University Drive as the Pinnacle/University Ridge apartment community, according to MapQuest.
Complex has a history of fires
This stretch of University Drive has seen serious blazes before. ABC11 covered a two-alarm fire in 2016 that gutted a third-floor unit at 3611 University Drive, and WRAL reported a 2019 incident that investigators linked to an unattended candle. Those earlier fires drew large responses and led to neighborhood displacement and assistance from emergency groups in prior cases.
What happens next
Fire investigators are expected to work on determining the cause of the latest blaze, and the city typically posts official reports and guidance for affected residents on its public records pages. Residents can request fire reports through the City of Durham's "Get a Fire Report" resources, according to the City of Durham. We will continue to track official updates and broadcaster coverage and will update this story as new information becomes available.
