Massive fire at South End business raises concerns after inspection violations ...Middle East

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A fire that severely damaged a building in South End over the weekend has raised concerns, particularly as records show that the property had several unresolved fire code violations from as recent as June 2024.

On Saturday morning, March 15, Charlotte Fire Department crews were called to Morehead Social at 300 E. Morehead Street, responding to reports of heavy smoke coming from the building. The fire broke out in the basement, quickly escalating into a 3-alarm situation.

By 8 a.m., fire officials were evacuating the building for safety reasons, and the situation worsened when structural concerns led to a roof collapse. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, though the fire caused an estimated $150,000 in damages.

But as fire investigators continue their work to determine the cause of the blaze, questions are being raised about safety issues at the property prior to the fire.

During a June 20, 2024, inspection of the building, Charlotte Fire confirmed several serious fire code violations were noted. Among the violations were:

Despite follow-up attempts by the Charlotte Fire Department on September 13, October 16, and November 25, 2024, the business had not responded to address these violations, leaving some to wonder if these issues contributed to the severity of the fire.

Local resident Taylor Fourticq, who lives nearby, noticed the smoke early on Saturday, recalling, “At first, we thought it might be in our building because we smelled smoke. I’m from California, so I’m very familiar with the smell of smoke.”

Fourticq was not the only one impacted -- traffic disruptions were widespread, as parts of E. Morehead Street from Euclid Avenue to South Tryon Street were closed, and Charlotte Area Transit System halted its Blue Line light rail service between CTC and Carson Street stations. Passengers were advised to use CATS buses as an alternative.

While battling the blaze, the roof and upper-level floor of the building collapsed, creating further challenges for firefighters working to extinguish the flames. Heavy equipment was used to locate hot spots and ensure the fire was fully under control by 10:23 a.m. However, this collapse has complicated the investigation, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire.

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson praised the efforts of the first responders, stating, “The dedication and quick action of our firefighters prevented what could have been a far worse outcome. Their ability to make decisive, tactical decisions under extreme conditions speaks to their training and professionalism. I’m incredibly proud of their commitment."

As investigators work to unravel what led to the fire, the unresolved fire code violations serve as a reminder of the critical role building safety plays in preventing such disasters.

This is a Developing Story. Check back for updates

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