Colonial Heights (VA) Fire and EMS were dispatched to Southpark Mall shopping complex about 2025 hours on May 7, for a vehicle fire.
Engine 1 responded on the first dispatch, then the call was upgraded after additional 911 calls came in. The additional apparatus and personnel dispatched included Squirt 2, Squad 2, Battalion 1 and the Deputy Fire Marshal.
Upon their arrival they found one vehicle heavily involved in fire, with the fire already spreading to other vehicles parked near by.
In all six vehicles were damaged or destroyed by the fire. The primary vehicle was a total loss, two other received major damage, two with significant damage, and one with minor damage.
Three vehicles had to be towed from the scene.
An investigation revealed the fire to be accidental, cause by an engine malfunction in the primary vehicle. There were no injuries and there was no threat of damage to the mall. The fire department estimates a total of about $25,000 in damages.
