Smoking materials to blame for two Wilmington fires

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Improperly discarded smoking materials are what caused two separate fires that broke out in Wilmington late Sunday night, according to Battalion Chief Chris Walker.

The first fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. in the 2000 block of Barnett Avenue. Witnesses say flames fully engulfed the home. Fire investigators say the fire caused major damage and left two people without a home. The Red Cross responded to help the residents.

The second fire broke out at 414 South 8th Street. One person at the home was burned on their face and hands. They were taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center and later transferred to the North Caroline Jaycee Burn Center at Chapel Hill. No word on their current  condition. It’s estimated that the fire caused between $70,000 – $75,000 worth of damage to that home.