7-year-old dies in apartment fire in NC; Over a dozen tenants displaced in Dunn

Sunday, July 5, 2026 12:11PM ET
DUNN, N.C. (WTVD) -- Police and fire officials in Dunn are investigating a fire that led to the death of a child at an apartment complex Saturday night.

The fire happened at the Ashebroke Apartments on E. Pope Street around 10:53 p.m. A 911 caller reported flames coming from a window.

ABC11 has confirmed the child was a 7-year-old and not a baby as originally reported.

Property managers tell ABC11 that they believe the fire was started by fireworks. Dunn police nor the fire department has released information on the fire.

The fire destroyed four units and left 13 people without a home.



Property managers say they had sent a letter on Wednesday to tenants to remind them that grilling and fireworks were not allowed.

Download the ABC11 app for breaking news alerts
Copyright © 2026 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.