HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A devastating fire at a Henrico County apartment complex for seniors has forced out at least 50 residents.
Just after 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, crews with the Henrico County Division of Fire responded to the Grand Richmond Senior Apartment Community, located in the 6000 block of Brook Road, for a report of a fire hazard.
Firefighters were at the scene within minutes, according to a division spokesperson, where they found a four-story apartment complex with fire on the top floor.
According to the spokesperson, firefighters entered the building and went upstairs to find smoke pouring into the halls.
Upon entering one of the units on that floor — which was filled with very heavy smoke — they found “a partially burning couch and a smoldering pile of clothes.” Firefighters put out that remaining fire, with the rest having been mostly contained by the sprinkler system.
The spokesperson said both firefighters and bystanders helped many residents get out of the building safely.
The complex was severely damaged by the flames, smoke and water. According to the spokesperson, in total, at least 40 apartments were damaged to some extent.
As a result, at least 50 seniors have been forced out of their apartments. The Red Cross is reportedly helping those residents at this time.
According to the spokesperson, the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.
No other information is available at this time.
