RICHMOND, Va. — A massive fire broke out in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, sending large flames and clouds of smoke into the air that residents reported seeing from miles away.
The three-alarm fire started at 1712 E. Main Street, which serves as both a residence and business, according to Interim Fire Chief J. Segal. A three-alarm fire is the highest urgency.
Segal said the call came in around 12:51 p.m., prompting at least 11 engines to respond. The fire was eventually contained around 1:22 p.m., but not before spreading to two neighboring buildings.
Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze but are expected to recover.
"They were all able to get out. Matter of fact, one of the residents on 17th Street said they heard popping sounds, and when they heard those sounds they looked at their rear window and they noticed fire conditions," Segal said.
At least three people will be displaced because of the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though officials noted that the day's extreme heat made firefighting efforts more difficult.
Fire crews were expected to remain at the scene until at least midnight to ensure the fire was completely extinguished.
This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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