Blaze Rips Cary Apartment Complex

CARY, N.C. — An early-morning fire displaced 23 residents of a Cary apartment complex from their homes early Wednesday.

At about 4 a.m., someone reported a blaze on the back deck of a third-floor apartment at Marquis of Preston Apartments at 2215 Preston Grove Ave.

Firefighters responded to the scene within minutes and worked to evacuate the building. They were able to contain the fire after more than two hours.

No one was injured.

"It was completely nuts. We didn't know what was going on," said David Kindelberger, who was displaced by the fire. "We were kind of in a daze from being sleeping."

Initial reports from firefighters first at the scene indicate that the fire might have started on the back side of the building between the second and third floor.

Authorities said 18 apartments were affected by the fire. Four units on the third floor were destroyed, and at least eight others sustained severe water damage. Only 16 of the 18 unites were occupied, authorities said.

Investigators were working Wednesday afternoon to determine the cause but said there was no reason to suspect that foul play was involved.

The American Red Cross and apartment managers are working to help displaced residents.