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16 units affected in Indian Lakes Apartments fire in Virginia Beach

More than 20 people are displaced at the apartment complex, which has now experienced four fires since 2020.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Crews responded to a fire at a Virginia Beach apartment complex Thursday evening.

The fire broke out at Indian Lakes Apartments in the 5300 block of Yellow Knife Ct. That's right off Indian River Road.

According to the Virginia Beach Fire Department, firefighters got to the scene at around 6 p.m. and saw heavy smoke and flames coming from a second-story attic. The fire quickly spread to other units, VBFD said. 

This is the fourth significant fire to happen at the apartment complex within the last several years.

13News now has reported on fires at Indian Lakes Apartments on July 2020 that displaced 31 people, December 2020 that damaged 24 units, and in June 2022 that displaced 20 people.

However, investigators with Virginia Beach Fire Department do not believe any of the fires are connected or suspicious, or that the buildings themselves are somehow at fault.

"It does appear to be completely accidental, we just have some loose ends we need to tie up but it is not appear to be suspicious in any way shape or form," said Captain Jim Ingledue, Virginia Beach Fire Department.

Investigators believe these fires were probably caused by accident by people living there.

"Those things happen," Ingledue said. "Improper smoking disposal, improper ashes disposal, that happens all over the city."

Fire officials say 16 apartments are affected, but no one was hurt. Firefighters rescued seven animals including three dogs, two cats and two birds. The Red Cross is working with residents to find housing. 

The fire was put out in roughly two hours. 

This marks the fourth fire at this complex since 2020.

Posted by Virginia Beach Fire Department on Thursday, March 23, 2023

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