VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Firefighters battled a two-alarm condominium fire in the Hilltop section of Virginia Beach Wednesday morning.
The fire on Chantilly Court was reported just before 5:30 a.m. It was at Chesterfield Station Condominiums, just off of First Colonial Road.
The initial alert said the fire was through the roof of a three-story condo building. Firefighters said they got the flames out by 6:17 a.m. By 6:45, much of the fire was out and the top floor appeared to be gutted.
Condo owner Chris Meligonis lives across the complex from the building. His Nest camera recorded the fire as it started then continued to burn and grow:
The Virginia Beach Fire Department said one firefighter was hurt by falling debris from the roof of the burning building. The firefighter was treated at the scene and went back to work.
Two residents had to go to the hospital for treatment of minor burns to their feet.
Fire department spokesman Art Kohn said firefighters went in to get pets and people out safely.
Kohn said, “(running in) was a very dangerous thing to do, but you can’t take a chance of leaving somebody in there."
“You can tell this fire was very intense," stated Kohn.
By getting the flames out, crews saved Edward Fernandez’s building that runs along the back side of the units.
“I would love to shake everyone’s hand when they’re done," said Fernandez.
David Mulligan, who lives in the building next to where the fire was, woke up to firemen banging on his door.
“Ran out without my shoes," said Mulligan.
He and more than a dozen other people found shelter at the Colonial Inn which is up the street.
“They gave me some socks at the Colonial Inn," said Mulligan.
In a statement, the Colonial Inn Executive Director said:
We are saddened by the loss that our neighbors are experiencing this morning following the fire at an apartment complex adjacent to First Colonial Inn. Approximately 20 of the apartment residents have taken shelter at First Colonial Inn, and we are rallying around them to offer our support. Our dining team is providing food, and First Colonial Inn residents have generously offered bathrobes, socks and other clothing to those who evacuated the apartments. The residents and staff at First Colonial Inn will continue to help in any way we can.
Big Fire at Chesterfield Station Condominiums in Virginia Beach
Fourteen people were displaced, and the American Red Cross was called to help them.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters believe the cause was accidental.