Two people were taken to the hospital on Sunday, December 28, after a fire broke out at a Gaston County, North Carolina, home belonging to the parents of Denny Hamlin, a longtime NASCAR driver and team owner who co-owns 23XI Racing alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Officials with the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department confirmed to WCNC that crews were dispatched to a residence on Blacksnake Road, northeast of Stanley, shortly after 6:15 p.m. ET. When emergency personnel arrived, flames were already engulfing the structure.
Fire Chief David Toomey said both individuals transported to the hospital were outside the home when responders arrived at the scene. They were treated for possible smoke inhalation, though their conditions were not publicly released.
Early reports suggested someone may have been trapped inside the house, but officials later clarified that no rescues from inside the structure were required. By the time firefighters gained control, a significant portion of the home was already engulfed.
The fire ultimately resulted in a total loss. Toomey said roughly 40 to 45 percent of the residence was actively burning when crews arrived. Suppression efforts stretched for nearly two hours, complicated by limited access to water in the wooded area where the house sits. Between 10 and 15 fire departments from across Gaston County responded to assist.
Despite the extensive damage, firefighters were able to remove items from the garage before the fire spread further. Toomey also confirmed that several vehicles and racing-related memorabilia were successfully saved from damage.
Public records show the home is owned through a company managed by Hamlin and has been identified by fire officials as belonging to his parents. Authorities have not released the names of the injured individuals, and Hamlin has not publicly commented on the incident.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and is expected to continue into Monday, December 29, according to county officials.