Woman charged with arson in Durham apartment fire that injured 7 people, court records show

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — A Durham woman has been charged in connection with an apartment fire that injured seven people, including a firefighter, and damaged about a dozen apartment units on Sunday morning, officials said.

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According to arrest warrants filed by the North Carolina Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, 31-year-old Mahogany Ashley Massey is charged with the following:

• First-degree arson
• Assault inflicting serious bodily injury (3 counts)
• Arson or other unlawful burning resulting in serious injury to a firefighter, law enforcement officer, fire investigator or emergency medical technician (3 counts)

The fire was reported shortly before 11 a.m. at University Ridge Apartments, located at 3611 University Drive, according to the Durham Fire Department.

About a dozen apartment units were damaged in the blaze. During the fire, at least one resident jumped from a third-floor window to escape, Durham officials told CBS 17.

Seven people were injured, and five were taken to a hospital for treatment. One firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Firefighters also rescued a dog trapped inside one of the apartments.

Neighbor Maya Durham said she witnessed a resident jump from a window before attempting to return to the building to save his dog.

“Some guy hurt himself on his wrist,” Durham told CBS 17. “He had to jump out the window, and he actually tried to go back in the house. He used a chair to break the window to save the dog.”

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Approximately 75 firefighters responded to the scene. Officials said it took crews about an hour to bring the fire under control.

The American Red Cross was called to assist residents displaced by the fire. The Durham Rescue Mission also announced it would provide support for affected residents and families.

“Durham Rescue Mission staff are available to help connect victims with emergency assistance and other available services during this difficult time,” the organization said in a news release.

Anyone affected by the fire, or those seeking assistance on behalf of someone impacted, is encouraged to contact the Durham Rescue Mission at 919-688-9641.

Court records show Massey is scheduled to make her first court appearance Monday at 11 a.m.

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