On Thursday, August 24, fire crews from Colington, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head fire departments were dispatched to a structure fire in the 100 block of Colington Pointe Drive. Dispatchers were fielding multiple calls for heavy smoke in the area from as far away as Kitty Hawk.
After arriving on the scene, Colington Fire Chief Glenn Rainey reported heavy fire in the end unit of a three story, four-unit townhome. The incident was upgraded to a second alarm which added Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Roanoke Island fire departments. Firefighters were able to make a quick initial attack as the fire spread to neighboring units in the structure. Ongoing firefighting efforts stopped the blaze from reaching the opposite end unit and limited damage to one of the middle units.
Two of the townhome units suffered major damage, one with moderate and one with very minor damage. Three of the units were occupied at the time of the fire. Six people were able to safely evacuate the building. A total of seven were displaced due to the fire, five of which were permanent residents. Neighbors and the American Red Cross were able to offer assistance to the occupants.
Fire Chief Rainey said he was very thankful that everyone was able to escape the rapidly growing fire unharmed. “Buildings and most belongings can be replaced”, said Rainey. “The way our departments work together on every incident, especially this one, always makes me proud” added the chief.
Responding agencies also included Dare County Fire Marshal’s Office, Dare County EMS, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, and the American Red Cross. The fire is under investigation.