Flames engulf south Charlotte home

10-11-2006 North Carolina:
CHARLOTTE -- Fire investigators are trying to determine what sparked a blaze at a south Charlotte home early Wednesday morning.

The fire broke out around 2 a.m. on Ridgehaven Lane. When firefighters arrived, the home was engulfed in flames and the smoke was very heavy. They say there was extensive damage done to the home, but the cause is still under investigation.

One firefighter was treated for a minor ankle injury. No other injuries were reported.
According to police, one of the home’s four residents, 40-year-old Daniel Flores, is a registered sex offender. He was convicted in 1997 of taking indecent liberties with a minor. He and three roommates have been renting the home for the past three months.

Neighbors say they were aware Flores lived in the home and were concerned because the neighborhood is located very close to an elementary school.

“I’m angry and scared for the children,” one woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said. “He does not need to live near a school, but I hate it that their house burned down. My heart goes out to him for that.”

Some neighbors circulated a flier alerting others of Flores’ presence in the neighborhood. They say since his arrival, the children don’t play outside anymore.

A new law that will go into effect December 1 prohibiting sex offenders to live within 1,000 feet of a school. It is unclear if Flores faces any charges. ..more.. by Lisa Reyes