Fire Chief reveals lessons from devastating South Park blaze

In a recent government meeting, Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson provided a detailed review of the after-action report concerning the devastating five-alarm fire at 7741 Liberty Row, which has been described as one of the largest in the department's history. The incident, which occurred in a seven-story building under construction, highlighted significant safety concerns, particularly the absence of fire suppression systems and the presence of an open elevator shaft that allowed the fire to spread rapidly.

Chief Johnson reported that the fire department received the first 911 call at 9:02 AM, just seven minutes after the fire was discovered. Despite a swift response, with the first unit arriving within five minutes, the fire's rapid escalation posed serious challenges. Over 200 firefighters and 90 units were deployed, and it took nearly six hours to bring the fire under control. Tragically, two construction workers lost their lives, while 15 others were rescued without significant injuries to firefighters.

The chief emphasized the need for improved safety measures in construction, noting that three contractors were cited for safety violations related to the incident. He also pointed out that the fire's intensity was exacerbated by high winds and the building's construction materials, which lacked adequate fire protection.

In response to the fire, the department has initiated several changes, including the addition of 12 fire inspectors focused on new construction safety and enhanced training for incident command and water supply management. Chief Johnson also mentioned ongoing discussions with the National Fire Protection Association to implement stricter building codes aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continuous improvement and a promise to keep the community informed about progress on safety initiatives. The fire department's ISO Class 1 rating, the highest possible, was highlighted as a testament to their dedication and effectiveness in protecting the city.