The City of Williamsburg Fire Department, James City County Fire Department, and York County Fire and Life Safety were dispatched to the 1400 block of Middle Street for a multi-family residential structure fire at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021.
The first unit arrived on scene at 8:49 p.m. Firefighters quickly found smoke in one of the building’s second-floor hallways. While searching the second floor, crews discovered a kitchen fire that had been extinguished by the building’s sprinkler suppression system in the apartment where the fire originated.
Salvage and overhaul operations were conducted in the affected apartment with no fire extension found. Crews did not find additional smoke and fire on the other floors of the building during their search. The fire was marked under control at 9:08 p.m.
Water damage affected apartments on the building’s first floor, directly under the apartment where the fire was contained.
Two occupants were displaced because of the fire and are being relocated by the apartment complex’s management.
Approximately 22 firefighters were on the initial dispatch of the incident. The City of Williamsburg’s Community Risk Reduction team is currently investigating the cause and origin of the fire. There were no reported firefighter or occupant injuries from the fire.
This incident serves as a good reminder to check your smoke alarms and replace them if they are more than 10 years old; to practice exit drills in your place of residence; and to practice safe cooking techniques. Any questions related to this incident, the department’s Smoke Alarm Program, or the department’s Home Safety Survey program, can be directed to the Williamsburg Fire Department at 757-220-6220.