Carolina Beach fire victim loses everything, remains hopeful

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Two days later and still no answers as to what caused the deadly fire at the Inland Harbor Condominiums in Carolina Beach.

Officials had no updates Wednesday afternoon nor have they released the identity of the person who died.

Rocky Ruffin, one of the victims is staying positive during the tragedy, while remembering the neighbor he lost in the fire.

“She’s going to be very missed very much here. We all loved her here,” Ruffin said.

The fire left one dead and 19 people displaced.

“I mean we just saw our dream place go up in flames and just stand there and watch it,” Ruffin said.

Ruffin was on his computer in the kitchen when he started to smell something unusual.

“Started running around checking my stuff to see if anything was burning here and I didn’t find anything in my place,” Ruffin said. “Sat back down could still smell it strong and by that time someone banged on my door told me to get out the place is on fire.”

Little did Ruffin know his condo would be completely destroyed and his neighbor, who he says was a fixture in the community, would not make it out alive.

“Everybody knew Debbie she’s the sweetest woman, she’d give you the shirt off her back,” Ruffin said. “We were all huddled up over there across the street there watching the fire just praying. That prayer didn’t get answered for us and hopefully she’s in a lot better place.”

It is a tragedy Ruffin, and many others, never saw coming. However, he is staying as positive as he can through such a difficult time.

“God’s watching us,” Ruffin said. “I mean we got out safe and that’s the big thing. And we can rebuild, it’s just stuff. Stuff can be replaced.”

Ruffin said he plans to rent an apartment until his condo is repaired.

As for his neighbor who passed away, he plans to hold a memorial in her honor.

From raising money to providing a place to stay, the community is coming together to help the fire victims.

The Savannah Inn is offering free rooms to those displaced and Buzz’s Roost is offering free meals.