The fire that sparked an explosion Friday morning at a house in south Charlotte was intentionally set, according to Charlotte Fire Department.
“This fire put lives at risk—both the public and our firefighters. Intentionally set fires threaten entire neighborhoods and endanger those sworn to protect them,” Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson said.
The blast happened around 6:15 a.m. in the 1600 block of Lombardy Circle near Myers Park Pediatric Hospital and Freedom Park.
About 60 firefighters responded, including the Hazardous Materials Team that worked to secure any additional leaking gas lines in the area, officials said. Crews were able to control the 2-alarm blaze in about an hour.
"Crews worked amid dangerous and unpredictable conditions—including structural instability and active fire—to bring the incident under control," Charlotte Fire Department said in an X post.
Officials said one civilian and one firefighter were treated on the scene for minor injuries. No one was home at the time of the incident, and no other injuries have been reported.
Two other homes were also damaged. Officials said the total loss of the home and its contents is estimated at $445,000.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600.
