Fire units responded to a reported structure fire on Oct. 28 at approximately 7:30 a.m. in the Riverpoint neighborhood east of downtown Suffolk.
Riverpoint consists mostly of two story single family condominiums with some single story units.
While en route to the call, responding units reported heavy smoke showing in the area. Battalion 1 arrived and reported a working fire with heavy smoke showing. A walk around of the units by the R.I.T officer found heavy fire in the rear of the two story unit.
Engine 1's crew was met with the occupant of the single story condo who reported fire in the rear of their unit. Engine 1 and Engine 2's crew quickly knocked down the fire and noticed the heavier fire was pushing out near the wall. Units realized that the majority of the fire was originating from the adjoining two story condo.
The fire had burned through the condo wall and the fire the crew was fighting, was actually the extension from the two story unit. There were some tense moments for the Incident Commander as crews were finding out that two separate, but adjoined units were on fire.
The fire was brought under control in 33 minutes as units began an extensive check for extension. Both units sustained heavy smoke and water damage.
Ladder 3 and 5 were used for salvage/overhaul and ventilation. Units remained on scene for several hours assisting the Fire Marshall's office with their investigation and extinguishing hot spots. The fire is still under investigation.
Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded with three engines, two ladders, one rescue, two battalions, one ALS medic, two fire marshals and the Tidewater Regional Arson Panel.
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