(Stafford)-Stafford Fire and Rescue units responded to 202 Chesterfield Lane for a fire in an apartment building around 8am Thursday morning.. The communications center received multiple calls reporting the fire and that numerous occupants trapped on their balconies. The first units from the Garrisonville and Aquia Stations arrived within five minutes to find a three story apartment building with smoke showing from all sides.
Simultaneously crews deployed handlines to the fire apartment and ground ladders to the second and third floor balconies where they removed several occupants to safety. The bulk of the fire was extinguished with 30 minutes of arrival. One occupant was transported to an area hospital due to an injured received as he exited his apartment.
One canine was removed and returned to the owner. A total of eight apartments were deemed unsafe for occupancy.
The Fire was discovered by a plumbing crew that was working in the area, after calling 911 these individuals alerted the occupants and assisted with evacuation prior to our arrival.
The cause of the fire was ruled accidental and damage estimates are not currently available. The Red Cross is assisting one family with accommodation all others denied assistance.
Units from the following assisted with the incident, Garrisonville, Aquia, Mountain View, Falmouth, Berea, Stafford Sheriff’s Office, Quantico and Prince William Fire also assisted on scene and to backfill County Fire Stations.
There were no public safety personnel injured during this incident.
(Photo courtesy Katie Watts)