Large fire breaks out at Chesapeake apartments, displacing many

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Multiple families have been displaced after a large fire burned through the roof of an apartment building in Chesapeake, causing it to collapse.

10 units in total at the Thrive Place Apartments, off George Washington Highway at Gilmerton Road in the Deep Creek area, were impacted by fire, smoke and/or water damage, per Captain Steven Bradley with the Chesapeake Fire Department.

The fire broke out in a second-floor apartment at 1:11 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Residents of the apartment of origin were able to safely evacuate. The fire eventually moved to the attic and spread to adjacent units.

Chopper 10 flew over the scene and saw firefighters using two ladder trucks to spray water onto the roof. They also used multiple handlines from the ground.

One man was treated at the scene for minor burn-related injuries, but no other injuries were reported. Firefighters credited working smoke detectors, as well as a fire wall that helped prevent the fire from extending to adjacent apartments, for helping to limit the amount of damage.

The Red Cross was dispatched to help those displaced. The cause of the fire meanwhile is still under investigation.

Check back for updates on this breaking news.

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