Firefighters say a third-alarm fire is being investigated in Uptown

Charlotte Fire Department is investigating a massive fire that was intentionally set in Uptown early Thursday morning.

Fire officials said the incident occurred around 2 a.m. at a home on Margaret Brown Street near Frazier Park.

Channel 9 reporter Eli Brand learned that the house was unoccupied, but the fire had spread to a neighboring apartment complex.

ALSO READ: “This is not the end”: Church fire in Bessemer City is being investigated

Fire officials said that this fire damaged several buildings and required six people to be evaluated by first responders. One of those people eventually had to be transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The American Red Cross will assist all displaced residents.

On site, Channel 9 found that one of the buildings had completely collapsed and several others had signs of fire all over them.

According to firefighters, the fire ultimately triggered three alarms before it was brought under control.

A person who lives nearby told Channel 9 that they witnessed the entire incident.

“It’s like the whole building was destroyed. Three or four buildings were damaged by fire. It’s just absolutely crazy,” the witness described.

Another neighbor said he was just grateful to be alive.

“First of all, I was happy that I was alive. That’s the main thing. Material things can be replaced, it’s just money. I’m glad that I got out of there healthy,” said neighbor Frank Wohlfarth.

Wohlfarth said he had to run out of his house as quickly as possible and even jumped over a fence to get to safety.

He said the incident had made him realize something very important.

“Definitely a reminder to spend time with the people you love and do the things you love. Life is short. Make the most of it. Give back and take care of your fellow human beings,” Wohlfarth explained.

ALSO READ: Paper towels set on fire at Charlotte Harris Teeter, prompting evacuation

Firefighters said the collapsed building was deliberately set on fire on Wednesday, but they managed to extinguish the blaze.

On Thursday morning it caught fire again and burned down to the ground. The cause of the second fire is still under investigation.

One of the neighbors who became homeless due to the fire is accepting help at this link.

This is a developing story; check www.wsoctv.com for updates.

VIDEO: “This is not the end”: Church fire in Bessemer City is being investigated