NORFOLK, Va. — An accidental fire in the Norview area of Norfolk badly damaged a townhouse Wednesday night.
Firefighters said one person jumped from a second-story window; another was rescued.
Norfolk first responders packed Pasteur Court in the Wellington Oaks neighborhood Wednesday at around 8:30 p.m.
Not even 24 hours later, fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be an unattended candle. It was ruled an accident.
"I came out, I saw smoke outside, coming out of the window, like it was coming out of the top the roof," said neighbor Katrice Carrington.
Firefighters said they found the only two people home at the time stuck on the second floor.
They say one adult, who should survive, jumped from a window and went to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Crews rescued the other adult.
Firefighters also said they carried out five pets.
The fire was under control within 20 minutes, officials added.
On Thursday, passersby could see melted blinds, some char and broken windows at the affected unit.
"It could've been worse," Carrington said.
Despite the townhomes lined up back-to-back, a Norfolk Fire-Rescue battalion chief told 13News Now the fire was contained and did not spread to other units.
"Be cautious. Anything can happen at any time. Everybody be safe please," said neighbor Kabauri Pressley. His younger sister watched the emergency response unfold.
"She was in a panic because, I guess, she goes to school with two of the girls that live there. So, she just wanted to make sure they were OK," he said.
Fire officials said no one was seriously hurt; although, the pets and a total of four adults and four children need somewhere else to stay.
Multiple signs posted outside the home Thursday indicated the structure is unsafe to live in.
"I pray and hope they get a place to stay. Times are tight, and it's getting harder and harder day by day. I hope everything is going to be OK," Carrington said.