Hopewell fire marshal: Discarded fireworks caused soccer complex concession stand to burn

HOPEWELL – Discarded fireworks are believed to have set off last weekend’s blaze that almost destroyed the concession stand at a city soccer complex.

According to a statement from the city, an investigation into the cause of the cause of the late-night July 14 fire found used fireworks material tossed near the stand at the Atwater Soccer Complex in northwestern Hopewell.

“The Hopewell Fire Marshal’s Office has received information from citizens about people using fireworks in the parking lot at the Atwater Soccer Complex that night before the fire occurred,” city public information director Ginger Holland said in the statement. The fireworks were set off between 9-11 p.m., and the fire was reported around 11 p.m.

Crews were able to bring the fire under control after more than a half-hour but not before the concession stand sustained significant damage. The city has closed the complex to the public until further notice.

Authorities have asked anyone who may have seen folks setting off the explosives to call Fire Marshal Benjamin Gomes at (804) 541-2290 or send an email to bgomes@hopewellva.gov. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the P3Tips mobile app.