Storms may have sparked Durham house fire as crews battle 3 blazes across city

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Strong storms moving through Durham on Sunday may have sparked one of three residential fires firefighters battled across the city.

The weather-related fire happened in the 2100 block of Collier Road around 2:30 p.m., where crews arrived to find smoke coming from the attic and roof of a home. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze, limiting damage to the structure. Two people were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported.

Fire officials said the blaze appears to be weather-related because strong thunderstorms were moving through the area when the fire started.

The Collier Road fire was one of three significant calls handled by Durham firefighters Sunday.

Another fire happened at 3827 Dunn Ave., where flames started outside and spread to the side of a home. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control before it could cause more extensive damage. Two people were displaced and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. No injuries were reported.

A third fire, and the most serious of the day, happened at a duplex apartment in the 200 block of Raynor Street around 11:30 a.m.

Firefighters rescued one person from the burning building and turned the victim over to Durham County EMS crews, who took the person to Duke Hospital. A second person managed to escape on their own and was also taken to the hospital. Their conditions were not immediately available.

The Raynor Street fire remains under investigation by the Durham Fire Marshal's Office and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. The cause has not yet been determined.

Durham County EMS assisted firefighters at all three incidents. The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal also responded to help investigate the Raynor Street fire.

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