Apartment Fire
VCFS units were dispatched for an early morning structure fire. Pre-arrival information indicated flames were showing from a single- story apartment that was attached to a two- story residential structure. First arriving units reported a working fire with heavy fire and smoke showing from three sides of the attached apartment.
An aggressive interior attack was started by personnel from Squad 46 with Engine 45's personnel protecting exposures. The interior ceiling was pulled and horizontal extension of the fire into the main house was stopped. The fire was contained and extinguished by first alarm units and reported completely out within one hour. VCFS personnel were able to salvage personal property of the occupants.
The State Fire Marshall's office investigated the fire and ruled it to be accidental. The building had been unoccupied and without power and a combustible material had been placed next to the stove. The material ignited when power to the residence was restored that morning, and the burner on the stove, which had been in the "on" position, heated the material to ignition temperature. There were no injuries and no damage to the main structure. Estimated monetary value to the structure and its contents was $30,000.00.
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