The Southern Food Distribution Warehouse located at 524 E. Bank Street in Petersburg erupted in flames Wednesday around 11:16 a.m. and became a massive blaze.
The fire was called in by a Petersburg Police Sgt.B.R."Scrappy" Crowder. The Sgt. was in his office working when he noticed the smoke from his window, he investigated discovering a working fire and called it in.
Petersburg's Bravest shifted into high gear and responded.
"Responding were Engines 2, 4, 5 and Truck 1, " said Chief Tommy Barrett of Petersburg Fire Department. "After initial assessment Captain Kevin Michalek issued a call for a second alarm. This resulted in additional resources including Engine 3 and others.
A mutual aid call also was dispatched and Colonial Heights Fire and EMS Engine 1, Fort Lee, Jefferson Park Volunteer Fire Department, Namozine Volunteer Fire and EMS, Prince George Company 1 and Engine 12, Truck 12 from Chesterfield's Ettrick-Matoaca Station 12 responded. "
The warehouse was used as a storage building and it covered a whole block. The structure was four stories high and at least 200-250 ft long.
Several challenges faced the firefighters. Access to the upper floors was only by elevator. The structure was almost a hundred years old. The sprinkler system inside was not working as there was no water supply. The decision was made to go defensive for the battle.
"Had that sprinkler system been operational," Chief Barrett said, " we probably wouldn't have been there."
The roof on the structure collapsed onto the second floor and the pipes in the ceilings were broken. Embers only caused minor damage to surrounding properties.
The half dozen employees who were inside all got out safely, Barrett said.
Chief Barrett said an off duty engine company monitored the structure throughout the night in case of hotspot flare ups.
The fire was marked under control at 5:25 pm.
The cause is under investigation.
