18 people displaced, 2 injured in overnight fire at Carrboro apartment complex
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- A fire at Ashbrook Apartments in Carrboro displaced 18 residents overnight.
- Fire crews got the fire under control in about an hour with help from six departments.
- Preliminary estimates found at least $400,000 in damages.
The American Red Cross is helping 18 people displaced by a fire early Thursday morning in Carrboro.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. at Ashbrook Apartments at 601 Jones Ferry Road, injuring a resident and a firefighter.
The Carrboro Fire Department found flames and heavy smoke coming from the building’s second and third floors. Firefighters from several area departments — Chapel Hill, White Cross, North Chatham, Orange Grove, New Hope, and Eno — were called in to help.
The fire crews aggressively attacked the fire inside the building, while other groups coordinated outside, according to a town news release. It took about an hour to get the fire under control.
EMS crews took one resident to the hospital with minor injuries and evaluated the injured firefighter on the scene, the release said.
Several apartments were damaged by the flames, while others had smoke damage, it said. The property management group is coordinating with the Red Cross to provide displaced residents with temporary housing and meet their immediate needs.
Fire officials are still investigating what caused the fire. Preliminary estimates have found at least $400,000 in damages, the release said.
How to help displaced residents
The Red Cross is asking for donations to help residents displaced by the Carrboro fire and other emergencies. Donations can be made online at redcross.org, by phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
A Red Cross news release also highlighted its emergency phone app, which can be used to let family and friends know you are safe in a disaster. It also offers tips and advice for preparing and responding to emergency situations.
To download the app, search for “American Red Cross” in the app store or go online to redcross.org/apps.
This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 10:25 AM with the headline "18 people displaced, 2 injured in overnight fire at Carrboro apartment complex."
