NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk firefighters responded to reports of two possible lightning strikes that may have been responsible for fire and electric hazards.
The first incident took place on the 1000 block of West 36th Street. Norfolk Fire-Rescue said when they were dispatched to the scene at 4:55 p.m., they found the attic and the second-floor apartment on fire.
Fire crews were able to get that fire under control around 6:15 p.m.
As a result of the blaze, seven adults, one child, one cat and one dog have been displaced. The American Red Cross is working to assist them in finding temporary housing.
The second incident affected a 10-unit, two-story apartment complex on the 9600 block of 9th Bay Street in the Oceanview section of the city.
According to fire officials, an active fire was not present at the complex when they investigated the incident at 5:27 p.m. However, they did find slight electrical issues and smokey conditions that affected the power of the entire complex. Dominion Power was later called to secure power.
About an hour later, at 6:28 p.m., firefighters were able to get all electrical hazards under control.
Two firefighters were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation of potential, non-life-threatening heat-related injuries.
Fire crews have not yet determined how many residents or pets required assistance from the Red Cross.
Both incidents are under investigation.
