Two firefighters – one from Chapel Hill and one from Carrboro – had to be treated for heat exposure after fighting a three-alarm fire on Tuesday, according to an update provided by Chapel Hill officials.

Crews responded to the three-alarm fire at the Carol Woods Retirement Community on Weaver Dairy Road in Chapel Hill just before four o’clock Tuesday afternoon.

Officials said firefighters saw flames coming through the roof of the fitness center at the retirement community upon arrival. There is a 40-unit residential building adjacent to the fitness center, but the fire did not spread to the residences, according to a release. Officials say there is a firewall separating the two buildings.

“We’re grateful for our community partners who came together to ensure the safety of the residents and staff of Carol Woods and to also ensure our emergency responders remained safe,” Deputy Fire Chief Matt Lawrence said in a release. “This was an aggressive fire on a hot, humid day. We’re very thankful no one was seriously injured.”

Through the three alarms issued from the fire, 15 apparatus and 44 personnel from Chapel Hill, Carrboro, New Hope, Durham, North Chatham and Orange Rural fire departments arrived at the scene. Chapel Hill Police, Orange County Emergency Services and Orange Rescue Squad also provided assistance.

Chapel Hill Transit provided buses to assist in allowing the temporarily displaced residents and firefighters an option to escape the heat. The two firefighters who suffered from heat exposure were transported to UNC Hospitals for treatment, according to the town.

Residents were permitted to re-enter their homes around eight o’clock Tuesday night, according to officials.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Photo via Blake Hodge

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