Local News

'Our whole porch was on fire': 10 people forced out of north Raleigh apartments

Several units responded Sunday morning to the complex on Shanda Drive near Spring Forest Road.
Posted 2022-10-09T10:28:59+00:00 - Updated 2022-10-10T10:29:34+00:00
10 displaced after apartment fire on Shanda Drive in Raleigh

Raleigh firefighters put out an apartment fire on Sunday morning in north Raleigh.

The Raleigh Fire Department said no one was hurt, six units had significant damage and 10 people had to leave their homes after several units responded around 5 a.m. Sunday to the complex on Shanda Drive near Spring Forest Road.

About 50 firefighters responded to find fire through the roof.

Residents who spoke with WRAL said the flames were massive and the fire spread quickly.

Karen Martinez is thankful she and her family are safe tonight.

“We didn’t have much time to get anything," said Martinez. "We just got what we could and ran out the door.”

She and her family woke up to flames just feet from their bedroom.

Several units responded Sunday morning to the complex on Shanda Drive near Spring Forest Road.
Several units responded Sunday morning to the complex on Shanda Drive near Spring Forest Road.

“Our whole porch was on fire. So the flames were already starting to consume close to the door in the living room," said Martinez.

Martinez and her family barely escaped

“I didn’t even have my shoes on," said Martinez. "I just grabbed my little sister and we walked out the door.”

Martinez and her family lost everything in the fire

“We realized that at some point most of our stuff wasn’t going to get saved. So we just prayed for the best,” said Martinez. “I’m doing my best to have a positive mentality other than that just trying to hang on.”

The fire was so intense Raleigh police had to be called in to assist with roadblocks and traffic control.

There are no reported injuries. Crews are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

The Red Cross is helping the displaced residents relocate.

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