HARRISBURG, N.C. — Multiple crews are on the scene of a large fire in the Harrisburg area just outside Charlotte.
WCNC Charlotte received photos and messages from viewers in the Farmington community in Harrisburg, which is just off Interstate 485 and Rocky River Road. The fire was near the area of Clear Creek Lane, which is in Cabarrus County and just east of Mecklenburg County.
The fire appears to have started around 10:30 a.m.
On the ground, large flames near an apartment complex could be seen sending thick, black smoke into the air.
Multiple photos and videos were shared on the WCNC app and on social media.
A photo from Vishnu Reddy appears to show the location of the fire as a building still under construction.
Credit: Vishnu Reddy
WCNC Charlotte's Siobhan Riley was also at the scene and captured video of the flames, as seen from an adjacent apartment complex.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by WCNC Charlotte (@wcnctv)
The fire caused a massive plume of smoke that was visible for several miles across the Charlotte area.
Weather satellites use their bird-eye view of the planet to help officials discover new wildfires often in remote areas. The satellites first noticed the smoke around 10:36 a.m.
"The smoke plume could be seen for miles, and it showed up on satellite and radar," WCNC Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich wrote on social media.
Credit: Radarscope via Brad Panovich
Weather radar, typically used to scan moisture in the air, can also detect the particles carried into the sky by smoke. The Charlotte terminal radar, located near Northlake Mall, detected the smoke plume. Radar shows the smoke was being carried by the winds south and east away from the fire.
A WCNC Charlotte weather camera in Anson County could also see the smoke over 40 miles away. The camera was seen on Live Impact News on WCNC+ around 10:40 a.m.
Within an hour, firefighters had extinguished the visible flames. PJ shared video of firefighters continuing to spree water onto the debris, which was not emitting white smoke because of the water being spread.
In response to the fire, the apartment complex sent out the following message to residents:"Good Morning Residents,The daycare being built across Farmington Ridge Parkway from us was caught on fire today. This was going to be the Everbrook Academy, originally set to open later this year.Luckily, no residents were harmed, and our community is safe. We do have reports of some glass cracking in buildings 1 and 2, as the heat from the fire across the street caused strain. If you have any damage, please put in a work order and we will have things repaired / replaced ASAP. The heat from the fire was intense, and there was smoke in the area. If you are in buildings 1 or 2, please know that your patio railings may be hot. Also, if you are or are not home, please check all your windows ASAP and put in work orders if necessary.I am so glad everyone here is okay, and I pray for those working across the street. I did notice news helicopters overhead, so you may be able to search news outlets for additional information as it becomes available.A huge thank you to the local fire departments - what an incredible group of people. The Stead will be sending them a gift on behalf of all residents.Please reach out to the office with any questions, and please have a safe and good rest of the day."