Two firefighters hospitalized, one person burned after large apartment fire in Henrico

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Two firefighters were hospitalized and one other person was burned after a large fire at a Henrico County apartment building that caused its roof to collapse.

Just after 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, firefighters with the Henrico County Division of Fire were called to an apartment building on Gayton Road near Quioccasin Road after receiving several reports of a large fire.

According to fire department officials, firefighters could see a large column of smoke rising from the structure while on the way to the scene. When they arrived, they saw heavy fire coming from the roof.

The complex was evacuated and the firefighters began fighting the flames. According to fire officials, they were able to keep the fire contained to the building it started in, but a neighboring building did sustain heat-related exterior damage.

The apartment complex was significantly damaged by the fire, including a “substantial roof collapse,” according to fire officials.

Two firefighters were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Additionally, one civilian had minor burns, but reportedly did not want to be taken to the hospital.

A total of 24 apartment units were affected by this fire. Fire officials told 8News the impacted tenants, which is expected to be between 40 and 50 people, are being contacted. The American Red Cross will assist them.

As of 3:51 p.m., Henrico Fire units remain at the scene and will be there for “an extended time.” The Henrico Fire Marshal’s Office is actively investigating the fire’s cause.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.

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