HENRICO, Va. — The Fire Marshall ruled a mechanical failure in a heating unit inside a living room sparked the flames at Senior Living Apartment Complex.
Firefighters responded to an emergency call the 5100 Monument Avenue Apartments near Willow Lawn Drive around 2:00 am Saturday morning.
Investigators say the failure set fire to a sofa on the second floor of the complex and the residents inside quickly ran out.
According to fire officials smoke quickly filled the hallway and set off the alarm alerting everyone.
Residents evacuated to a lobby while units went inside and quickly put out the fire.
Neighbors stayed downstairs until crews could air out the smoke and most residents were later allowed to return to their apartments around 7:00 am.
Henrico Fire Officials say the people who lived in the room where the flames ignited shut the door when they left which they say prevented the fire and smoke from spreading throughout the building and their quick thinking helped firefighters contain the fire and prevented further damage.
The neighbors in the room where the fire started were displaced and are now staying with friends on another floor.
Paramedics took one woman to the hospital for breathing trouble, she is in stable condition and expected to be fine.
Firefighters say the event is a reminder for everyone to check their smoke detectors monthly to ensure it is working.
