Historic School Fire Raises Alarm
The Wilmore School fires have sparked an investigation into the cause and the suspect's motives, with the community eager to see the redevelopment project move forward and the historic building preserved for future generations.
A 2-alarm fire broke out at the historic Wilmore School in west Charlotte on February 13, 2025, with firefighters responding to the scene just before 8am, marking the fourth incident in less than three weeks.
The fire, which was reported at West Boulevard, required additional crews and caused heavy traffic delays. This is the second large fire at the property in recent weeks, following a previous blaze in January 2025. The school has been vacant since the 1990s but was rezoned in May 2024 to be redeveloped into a mixed-use facility, including apartments, townhomes, and retail space, with the historic school building to be preserved as part of the project.
All four fires are believed to have been intentionally set, and a suspect has been arrested, although their name and charges are not publicly disclosed. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters were able to control the latest blaze in under 30 minutes without any injuries, and the school's redevelopment plans are expected to move forward despite the recent incidents.
The repeated fires at the historic Wilmore School have raised concerns about the property's safety and security, and the community is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the cause of the fires and the arrest of the suspect. The school's redevelopment is expected to bring new life to the area, but the recent incidents have highlighted the need for increased vigilance and protection of the property.
