Fire Marshall condemns Richmond condo building after fire | News

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- The Richmond Fire Marshall had to cut the power and condemn a downtown Richmond condominium building for at least a few days.

Calls started coming in around 3:30 p.m. Friday from people near the Emrick Flats building.    

Thick black smoke billowing was seen from the roof top unit. The whole building - all 25 condo units - have been condemned.

Police lights flickered in the night near Marshal and North Adams, just off Broad Street as residents scurried along.

"A lot of valuables, and currently its unsecured inside so there's people in there trying to secure the doors that were broken by the fire department," said Derek Austin.

Earlier in the day, the streets were crowded as fire crews made their way up to the roof top unit where the fire started.

One resident describes what he saw:

"I saw smoke billowing around the corner so I knew there was a fire, fire trucks started pulling up we saw flames coming up the roof, people running  back upstairs to get their pets and stuff like that," said Chris Franklin.

The fire was under control just before 4 p.m. - little did the residents know they were going to have to pack their bags and get out. Officials say water got in the walls where the electrical wires are.

Authorities say the fire looks to be accidental but the investigation is not over.

The American Red Cross is helping the displaced residents.

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