RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Richmond fire crews were busy Wednesday morning extinguishing flames at two apartment buildings in the Museum District.
At 4:43 a.m., units responded to the scene at 3519 Park Avenue for a report of a fire. Officials say smoke and fire were visible from the outside when crews got on scene just minutes later. An interior attack was launched and the fire was marked under control by 5:27 a.m.
Crews found additional fire in the basement shortly after the fire was marked under control. A second alarm was rung around 6 a.m. and additional crews were dispatched to the scene.
The fire was marked under control again at 9:16 a.m. Officials say there’s been no reports of injuries or fatalities. Crews are working to determine a cause.
Firefighters were then dispatched to another fire at 3422 Kensington Avenue around 7 a.m. The first units on scene found smoke coming from the second floor.
Crews say the fire started in the basement and spread to a couch.
The fire was marked under control around 7:40 a.m. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Stay with 8News for more information about this developing story as it becomes available.
Richmond Fire Lt. Chris Armstrong says when the temperatures drop, they see an increase in heating-related fires.
“What does happen this time of the year, when people start to use their heating equipment, some people don’t get it professionally serviced and cleaned before the season,” he said. “Sometimes the unit is just not ready and it catches fire.”
He says make sure you do a thorough inspection of any equipment (space heater, radiator, kerosene, etc.) before starting it up. If there are any frayed or exposed wires, don’t use it.
“It does not take much. One little spark could ignite,” he said.
Keep combustible material at least 3 feet away from any heating source.
Lt. Armstrong also says when it comes to freezing pipes, putting in more insulation and heating tape can help. Also, never use a direct flame on a pipe or nearby.
He also emphasizes the importance of homeowners’ and renters’ insurance.
To see Lt. Armstrong’s advice for fire prevention and how to protect your home, watch the video above.
