1 person killed in ‘significant’ Carrboro apartment fire; 20 residents displaced
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- One person killed and 20 residents displaced after a Monday fire at Hillmont Apartments.
- Carrboro Fire-Rescue arrived within two minutes and found heavy smoke and visible flames.
- Officials estimate fire caused $700,000 in damages; investigators investigating the cause.
One person was killed and 20 residents were displaced Monday after a fire broke out at a Fidelity Street apartment building near downtown Carrboro.
On Tuesday, the town identified the person who died as Thomas Owens Jr., a 53-year-old resident of Carrboro.
The fire call came in around 4 p.m. Monday, according to a town news release. Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department firefighters responded within two minutes, finding heavy smoke and flames coming from multiple units in Building A at Hillmont Apartments.
The complex is located at 124 Fidelity St. near the Davie Road intersection and Westwood Cemetery. Additional firefighters were called to the scene from several local departments because of the size of the fire, the release said.
Multiple apartments had “significant fire damage,” while other apartments had smoke damage, the release said. The American Red Cross is helping displaced residents with temporary housing and immediate needs.
Police and fire were still investigating Monday night and blocked the area around Davie Road and Fidelity Street. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The fire caused an estimated $700,000 in damages.
The story will be updated.
This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 7:25 PM with the headline "1 person killed in ‘significant’ Carrboro apartment fire; 20 residents displaced."
