Chesapeake, Va. – On Sunday afternoon, fire crews were dispatched to a fire alarm at the Parkview Condominiums, located in the 500 block of Judah Way in the Greenbrier neighborhood. The alarm sounded at approximately 3:15 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the Chesapeake Fire Department.
Firefighters Arrive and Assess the Situation
Assistant Fire Marshal Capt. Steven Bradley reported that, as units approached the scene, additional callers warned of heavy smoke on the third floor and indicated that some residents were unable to use a stairwell to exit the building. When firefighters entered the complex, they encountered dense smoke emanating from a third‑floor condominium.
Sprinkler System Controls the Blaze
According to department officials, the building’s automatic sprinkler system activated quickly and extinguished the fire before firefighters needed to enter the affected unit. The rapid response of the sprinklers allowed the crew to focus on evacuating residents safely from the stairwell and surrounding areas.
Tragic Discovery
During a thorough search of the third‑floor condominium where the fire originated, firefighters found a woman inside the unit. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released her identity, and the cause of death remains under investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
Fire investigators are collaborating with Chesapeake Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the circumstances that led to the fire and the fatality. In the meantime, three neighboring condominiums have been declared unsafe due to smoke and water damage caused by the incident.
Community Support
The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist one adult and one child who were displaced by the fire, providing temporary shelter and essential supplies while the affected families arrange alternative housing.
What Residents Need to Know
Residents of the Parkview Condominiums are advised to stay alert for updates from the fire department and local officials regarding the safety status of the building. Those who have been temporarily relocated should contact the Red Cross for assistance and follow any instructions from emergency responders.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate danger has been contained, the investigation will continue to uncover the fire’s origin and any potential safety code implications. Chesapeake officials emphasize the importance of maintaining functional sprinkler systems and fire alarms in multi‑unit dwellings to protect lives and property.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Chesapeake section) — read the source article.
