Fire at condemned Carolina Surf condos considered ‘suspicious’

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) – A criminal investigation is underway after a fire at Carolina Surf Condos in Carolina Beach.

According to New Hanover County Dispatch, the fire happened just before 3:30 a.m.

Carolina and Kure Beach Fire Departments, and Carolina Beach Police responded to the fire.

According to a news release, the fire damaged the southside of the building, primarily the maintenance room. Police say a criminal investigation is underway, due to suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire.

No one was inside the building at the time.

Earlier this month, the condos were deemed no longer safe and evacuated. Structural evaluations were conducted and corrosion has been detected on the steel of the building.

Vacationers who were staying close by said it was scary to wake up and be told to evacuate.

“When I first left I didn’t know if it was our house or not, so I was scared, nervous that our house was on fire cause I couldn’t see the building next store until I actually got on to the street,” vacationer Emily Croskey said.

No one was hurt.

Police say more details will be released as they become available.