Two-alarm blaze at downtown warehouse
Published 6:40 pm Sunday, June 26, 2016
Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to the scene of a two alarm commercial structure fire in downtown Suffolk Sunday morning.
Emergency Communications received the report at 11:43 a.m., and the first units arrived on scene at 11:45 a.m. at the Nuts for Wildlife facility in the 160 block of County Street, according to a city press release.
Battalion Chief William Kessinger said firefighters found a large column of smoke visible from the exterior of the warehouse upon arrival. It was determined that the fire involved peanut hull byproducts at the facility. The active fire extended to portions of the roof of the structure.
Two firefighters suffered injuries not considered life-threatening and were ground transported to Sentara Obici Hospital for treatment.
The fire was called under control at 3:38 p.m., but firefighters were still on scene until close to 8 p.m., according to the release. Damage to the building was contained to the roof.
Due to the size of the facility and proximity of other structures, the response was upgraded to two alarms and Engines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10, Ladders 3 and 5, Medics 32 and 3A, Rescue 1 and 6, EMS 1, Battalions 1 and 2, Rehab 6 and the Fire Marshal’s Office responded. Numerous volunteer departments, as well as units from Chesapeake and Smithfield, backfilled the responding stations.
Suffolk Police provided traffic control and security. Several streets in the area were closed until about 8 p.m.
The Fire Marshal will be conducting the investigation.