The Utz delivery driver pulled into the warehouse unaware of what was happening within his vehicle. Moments later his truck and a nearby delivery were engulfed in flames. Workers grabbed extinguishers but their efforts were in vain. The fire began to spread. Richmond firefighters were dispatched.
"The initial call came in around 1409 hours, the report said vehicle on fire at the Utz potato chip warehouse at 5619 Pride Road," said Lt. Keith Vida of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services. "Arrival on scene revealed a more intense situation. Two trucks were engulfed and the fire was rapidly spreading through the warehouse."
The warehouse was 26,190 square feet, Vida explained. It contained six bays, an office storage space and raised platforms filled with boxes of chips. Three bays on side-A were fully engulfed.
Twenty-five to thirty employees worked in the warehouse. When the fire broke out about seven or eight were actually there officials said. All workers managed to safely get themselves out.
Responding were: Richmond Quints 20, 22, 24,13, Engine 17, Rescue 3, Battalion 3, on mutual aid Chesterfield Fire and EMS dispatched Buford Station Engine 9. On an upgrade to the call Richmond dispatched Quints 5 and 25.
Initial attack lines were 1 3/4, additional lines were 2 1/2. Three master streams were in operation.
The fire battle which began as offensive was switched to defensive when firefighters had to be pulled out because of the metal warehouse roof which appeared to be on the verge of collapse.
Fire had extended into the insulation.
The fire was marked under control at 1720 hours. Overhaul began at 1912 hours.
Challenges encountered included a cabinet shop near, but not attached to the warehouse's Bravo side. Inside the cabinet shop was wood and varnish. Firefighters evacuated the shop.
No injuries were reported. The warehouse was reported by officials to be a total loss.
Lt. Vida said the cause had been ruled as electrical malfunction in one of the vehicles.
