Newport News Fire Department Responds to Apartment Fire

Newport News Fire Department Responds to Apartment Fire

 

Newport News, VA – A swift response from the Newport News Fire Department helped contain an apartment fire that broke out late Wednesday evening, preventing further damage and ensuring residents’ safety.

 

The fire occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. at the Riverwalk Apartments complex located on Jefferson Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the third floor of one of the buildings. Emergency calls began pouring in shortly after the fire was spotted, and crews from multiple stations were dispatched to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the top floor of the three-story residential building. According to Fire Department spokesperson Lt. Ashley Rhodes, the initial focus was on evacuating residents and containing the blaze to prevent it from spreading to adjacent units.

 

“Fire crews acted quickly to get everyone out safely and began an aggressive interior attack to knock down the flames,” Lt. Rhodes said. “Thanks to the quick actions of our team, the fire was contained within 30 minutes.”

 

Approximately 40 residents were evacuated from the building, and no serious injuries have been reported. However, one resident was treated on-site for minor smoke inhalation and later transported to a nearby hospital for observation. Firefighters also rescued two pets that were trapped inside one of the units.

 

Officials stated that at least four apartment units sustained significant fire, smoke, or water damage, displacing several families. The American Red Cross was on scene shortly after the fire was under control, assisting affected residents with emergency lodging and basic necessities.

 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have started in the kitchen of one of the third-floor apartments, but investigators have not ruled out other possibilities. A full investigation is expected to take several days.

 

Residents of the complex praised the fire department’s quick response and professionalism during the incident.

 

“I was cooking dinner when I smelled smoke, then saw people running and shouting outside,” said Maria Jenkins, a second-floor resident. “The firefighters got here fast, and they were calm and organized. I’m just glad everyone is okay.”

 

Fire officials used the opportunity to remind the public of the importance of having working smoke alarms and an evacuation plan in place.

 

“This could have been much worse,” said Fire Chief John Gordon. “Functioning smoke detectors and the fast reaction of residents and our crews helped prevent a potential tragedy. We urge everyone to check their smoke alarms regularly and make sure their families know how to exit their home quickly in case of fire.”

 

The Newport News Fire Department will continue to monitor the situation and offer support to displaced residents as needed. Cleanup and recovery efforts at the apartment complex are already underway, with building management assessing the structural damage and planning repairs.

 

Anyone wishing to help the displaced families can contact the local Red Cross chapter or the apartment complex’s leasing office for more information on donations and support.

 

The community is thankful for the quick action of first responders, and while the incident was a frightening one, it ended with no lives lost—a testament to preparation, professionalism, and teamwork.

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