Fire Rips Through Woodbridge Apartments

UPDATE

PRESS RELEASE: On Tuesday, August 14th, at approximately 4:30 p.m., fire and rescue units were dispatched to a fire in an apartment complex located in the 1300 block of Bayside Avenue in Woodbridge.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy black smoke emitting from the third floor apartment. Firefighters proceeded to the third floor, located the fire in the utility room, and began extinguishing the fire. The fire was under control in approximately 15 minutes; however, due to the heat and work required a second alarm was requested to provide additional fire and rescue personnel.

Three firefighters sustained minor injuries during the incident.

The fire displaced twenty-one residents who are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, preliminary damages are estimated at $100,000.

A building inspector has declared the building unsafe.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and remains under investigation.

County Police assisted with on scene management.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Fire and rescue crews extinguished a fire on the third floor of an apartment building at Bayside Apartments in Woodbridge.

Now they’re left with  the task of checking for and dousing additional hot spots that could spark another fire, and more crews have been called to the scene to assist fire fighters due to heat, said Prince William fire and rescue Chief Curtis Brodie.

Flames broke out at the apartment complex on Bayside Drive behind Marumsco Plaza on U.S. 1 about 4:20 p.m. When crews arrived they encountered heavy smoke coming from the roof, according to initial reports.

 Brodie said no injuries were reported, and there will be an extensive clean-up operation following the fire.

At least five fire engines, an ambulance, a full medic unit, and two fire chiefs were called to the scene – all from Prince William County, said Brodie.