Incredible doorbell video shows moment fire intentionally spread to downtown homes

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – A massive three-alarm fire in Uptown last Thursday was intentionally set, according to Charlotte Fire.

The fire broke out in a building along Margaret Brown Street, across from Frazier Park.

Nearly a week later, Frank Wohlfarth, displaced from his home by the fire, shared doorbell camera video of the moment the nearby fire spread to his home as he was sleeping inside.

The 30-second clip captured by Wohlfarth's doorbell camera clearly shows how quickly the fire spread.

The time in the video begins at 1:55 a.m. Thursday, with a ball of fire glowing on a nearby building, smoke and flames beginning to engulf its front porch seconds later.

Wohlfarth says seeing this video puts into perspective how close he came to losing his life.

“My camera, my ring camera said 1:55 a.m. when my house caught fire. I went out at 2:15 p.m., which told me it was 20 minutes from the time the fire hit my house to the time I came out (pause). Sorry, I got emotional for a second. But I immediately understood that I was very lucky to be alive. I guess it will only take a few minutes or less to actually survive,” Wohlfarth explained.

Charlotte Fire Department investigators said Thursday's fire may have been caused by an intentional fire at a nearby vacant home. Authorities say the same vacant property was intentionally set on fire the night before.

Anyone with information about who started the fire is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Wohlfarth said he couldn't salvage much from his house and was working to find a new place to live.

If you would like to help Wohlfarth, Click here.

Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.