'Whole hallway was on fire.' Several hurt in Fayetteville apartment fire, man faces arson charges

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A man is behind bars accused of intentionally setting fire to an apartment building in Fayetteville.

The fire happened at Summertime Apartments off South Reilly Road and Cliffdale Road just after 5 a.m. Monday.

Fayetteville Fire Department said five people were injured in the fire and around 15 were forced out of their homes.

Some of the people inside were able to get out on their own, but others had to be pulled to safety by firefighters.

Gerald Rogers had to jump out of the window of his second floor room to escape the flames.

"I jumped up to go see what he was saying. I walked to the front room, and peeped out the door and all I seen was fire lapping up on the bottom floor," Rogers said. ""I didn't know what to do. I was panicked because I was scared to jump."

Hours after the flames were put out, Fayetteville Police Department announced the arrest of 31-year-old Allen McFadden. He's in custody charged with first-degree arson.

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The American Red Cross responded to the fire at Summertime Apartments and is now working with victims to help find them temporary housing.