RAW VIDEO: At least four people were hurt after intense flames broke out at an apartment complex in east Charlotte early Friday.
Dozens of firefighters were called just after 4:30 a.m. to the 2-alarm fire at the Woodbridge Apartments on Yateswood Drive, near Albemarle Road and W.T. Harris Boulevard, and found heavy flames and smoke coming from a 2-story apartment building. A total of 16 units were in the building. Officials said 15 units were affected, displacing 39 residents and two pets.
Just before noon, fire investigators said an improperly discarded cigarette was to blame for the fire, which caused $259,650 in damage and left 15 families without a place to live. Though flames could still be seen shooting from the building at 6 a.m., fire officials said the fire was under control and not a threat to spread to any other buildings.