Photos/Story By Steven Myers

On March 1st a structure fire was sounded in Norfolk, VA about noon.

The Norfolk Fire Rescue department responded a first alarm response of 3 engines, a ladder, a squad, a rescue, and a battalion chief.

The first due Engine 14 reported smoke showing from 3 sides of an ordinary construction, 2 story, 8 family apartment.

A line was stretched to the second floor and Engine 14 began investigating.

Fire was found in the C side outside equipment closet and had spread to the attic. The attic was found to be fully involved and a second alarm requested.

The roof was vented and a defensive position was taken.

Second alarm units could see the smoke several miles away.

Live power was a problem as the dropdown fire was burning into a set of 4 electric meters. Fire control was obtained in 45 minutes.

The origin of the fire was the heating/cooling unit on the second level and was not reported immediately.

Two apartments were destroyed, one apartment badly damaged, with the remainder having smoke and water damage.

Sixteen people were displaced. Several firefighters received minor injuries during the offensive attack.