Arson Fire Leaves N.C. Firefighter with Burns

May 25--A Charlotte firefighter suffered first- and second-degree burns while battling an early-morning blaze that officials say was intentionally set.

The fire, which broke out about 2 a.m. Sunday, destroyed much of the house at Four Sisters Lane. The house is believed to be a foster home, and its six residents had evacuated before Charlotte firefighters arrived.

A minor, whose name was not released, has been charged with first-degree arson, according to Charlotte Fire Department Deputy Chief Rich Granger.

The injured firefighter, a captain whose name was not released, was burned when a ceiling on the second floor partially collapsed. Burning debris fell under his coat, Granger said. He was treated at Carolinas Medical Center and released.

"He actually came through quite well," Granger said.

The fire began in a second-floor bedroom and ultimately burned through the roof, causing about $200,000 worth of damage, Granger said. "It's getting close to a total loss of the house," he said.

The Red Cross is helping to find temporary housing for the residents.

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