UPDATE: Hatteras condo fire prompts Dare Sheriff’s Office investigation

On Wednesday, May 21, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Dare County Central Communications received a 911 call reporting a fire at the Slash Creek Condos in Hatteras. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Hatteras, Frisco, Buxton and Avon volunteer fire departments, the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad, and Dare EMS responded.

When units arrived, they found the condos to be fully engulfed in flames. Most of the tenants had been able to evacuate the building by using a set of stairs that were not on fire at that time. Two tenants, who were blocked from exiting their condo, had to jump from their third story balcony. Three people suffered injuries and were transported to the Outer Banks Hospital, where they were treated and released.

The Dare Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information pertaining to the fire. We are looking for people who took pictures, videos or noticed something that might help in the investigation.

The information does not just have to be from that morning. If anyone noticed something suspicious from the days prior, we would like that information also. We would ask that citizens stay away from the condos until the area is deemed safe. Please do not pass any fences or barricades that might be in place as the investigation is ongoing.

“We are very fortunate that no one was seriously hurt in this incident. Several brave people who were staying at the condos saved numerous tenants by banging on doors, letting them know there was a fire,” said Sheriff J.D. “Doug” Doughtie. “My heart goes out to those who own and those who were vacationing at the condos who have lost everything. This is indeed a stressful time. I would like to thank all the Fire Departments for their quick response, limiting the fire to Condo E, and the Hatteras Island Rescue and Dare EMS for their efforts in keeping injuries to a minimum. I would also like to thank the ATF and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigations for their assistance in this case.”

If you have information, please contact the Dare County Sheriff’s Office at the following phone numbers:

•Dare County Sheriff’s Office: 252-475-5980 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
•Dare County Communications: 252-473-3444 after 5 p.m. weekdays and weekends.