Apartment fire with resident and pets evacuated

2/5/2026 08:51 PM

Fire & Arson

Hope Valley Rd, Durham, NC 27707

Fire crews responded to an apartment fire in a building near Hope Valley Road in Durham. The fire was reported to have started in a fireplace in a first-floor apartment. One resident was believed to have gone back inside to rescue animals and was initially reported as possibly trapped, but everyone was later confirmed out of the building. Dogs were safely removed, and several tanks containing reptiles were reported inside; responders worked to remove or protect them and checked for fire spread to other areas. Medical units assisted residents outside, including a person who was cold and requested a blanket. Crews brought the main fire under control and checked for any extension before beginning ventilation.