Monster fire lights up Raleigh, N.C. skyline
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Firefighters battled a huge five-alarm fire in downtown Raleigh Thursday night, CBS affiliate WNCN-TV reports.
The blaze was first reported shortly after 10 p.m. and was finally extinguished by around 1:30 a.m. Friday, WNCN says/
Fire officials told WNCN the flames started on the third floor of an apartment building under construction and spread quickly because of the structure’s wood construction. Strong winds spread smoke, as well.
The fire spread to four other buildings, according to Raleigh fire officials.
No injuries were reported,and there are no indications anyone was trapped in the building, officials said.
WNCN posted video of a particularly stunning moment:
WNCN chief meteorologist Wes Hohenstein reports the smoke from the blaze is appearing on radar:
The Raleigh fire smoke plume is so large that it's being picked up on radar. Plume drifting off to SE. pic.twitter.com/qZPLpFALDD
— Wes Hohenstein (@WeatherWes) March 17, 2017
The Red Cross was mobilizing volunteers to help people displaced by the blaze. A local church was opening as a shelter downtown.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.