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According to WWAY, multiple agencies responded to the call at the Inland Harbor condominiums around 9 a.m. Monday.
Carolina Beach fire chief Alan Griffin said when they arrived, they could see the fire coming from the balcony of a fourth-floor residence.
The fire first started in one condo and spread to a condo on each side, according to the fire chief.
Firefighters managed to contain the fire to those three condos, but eight others have either smoke or water damage.
Chief Griffin said the victim of the fire was trapped and couldn't get out.
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"The last thing we want is to lose a citizen... once we arrived and got lines in place it was too late to save the victim," Griffin said.
Griffin says they don't suspect anything suspicious, but the Carolina Beach Police Department, fire marshal and the SBI will be investigating.
The Red Cross is working with the w will not be allowed inside overnight. The community is also coming together to offer support.
"We've had a lot of people to offer us places to go," said Inland Harbor resident Sheila Embler. "People are already bringing clothes. Carolina Beach is a great community. And they take care of their own. And, so, it's just... It could be worse. At least we're safe,"