Thirteen families were displaced when fire roared through the three story apartment complex.
Tones pierced the air on Feb. 8 when a call came into Hopewell emergency communications center for a structure fire at 04:29 hours at 1024 Burnside Street,Parkside Apartments.
Hopewell dispatched both stations and requested mutual aid from Prince George County (Va), as more information was provided the call was upgraded, Colonial-Heights and Fort Lee were also dispatched.
"Heavy fire was showing," said Battalion Chief Donnie Hunter of Hopewell Fire and Rescue. "It was a three-story L-shaped building, brick with wood and steel, on the outside rear were wooden decks and wooden steps. Fire had started on the exterior, advanced via the wooden decks and steps, went into the apartments and out and through the roofline."
Hunter said at least four apartments were going at once and two fifty-gallon propane tanks were venting and building collapse was a threat.
"When we arrived on scene," Hunter explained, "twelve of the thirteen families had self evacuated. We quickly investigated and confirmed the location of the thirteenth family. After confirmation the unaccounted for family was safe, the decision was made for an all defensive attack."
Initially, Hunter said, they quickly placed two 2 1/2 inch lines, then used deck guns and multiple portable monitors.
Officials said by 06:52 heavy fire knock down had been accomplished. "It was an excellent team effort," Hunter said. "The mutual aid went great. Praise also goes to Hopewell School system who quickly provided several buses for evacuations and the Red Cross who assisted the displaced families."
No injuries were reported and officials said the cause is under investigation.
