CHARLOTTE - The first of many calls in the 911 center was
received at 7:22 pm Wednesday, May 24, 2006, reporting a
fire at 2724 Westport Road.
Firefighters arrived at the Coyne Textile Services Company
to report a working building fire with heavy smoke and
flames showing.
Eventually, this incident went to a third alarm bringing
over sixty personnel to the scene.
As firefighters were advancing hose lines into the burning
structure an explosion(s) and building collapse occurred.
All firefighters were able to escape and two members from
Station # 10 were taken to Carolinas Medical Center for
treatment.
FF James Ogden was treated and released.
FF Maurice Taylor, the second injured firefighter, remains
in the hospital receiving medical care.
Both Charlotte Firefighters are expected to make a
complete recovery and we look forward to them returning to
duty soon.
The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force responded to
determine the origin and cause of this fire that resulted
in an estimated $750K in damages.
Investigators spent Wednesday night interviewing employees
and witnesses.
Since the damage to the business was so significant, it
was unsafe to allow investigators to gain access inside
the building during evening hours.
This morning, with assistance from the City of Charlotte
Department of Transportation, heavy equipment was used to
clear away debris which allowed better access to the area
where the fire originated.
The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force ruled the
cause of this third alarm blaze to be accidental.
Investigators determined that spontaneous heating of oily
rags, which were stored in a metal container near the rear
of the building, caught fire.
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