Fire damages commercial building near downtown Suffolk
A two-alarm fire that started at a business in Suffolk on Monday night forced emergency crews to contain runoff of hazardous materials.
Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to the 700 block of North Main Street following a report of a commercial structure fire at 10:04 p.m. The first units arrived three minutes later and saw fire and smoke coming from the Carts Unlimited building.
The fire was under control by 3:43 a.m. though crews are continuing to address hot spots, according to a news release. No injuries were reported.
The building, which backs up to the Nansemond River, contained large amounts of tires, batteries and fuel, creating a concern that runoff could affect the surrounding environment. Firefighters set up dams to prevent the water from running into the river, according to a spokesperson for Suffolk Fire & Rescue.
Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Portsmouth Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team found no hazardous materials in the runoff.
There is an apartment on the second floor of the building, the spokesperson said. Firefighters searched the building but did not find anyone inside.
North Main Street remained closed on Tuesday morning due to large fire hoses having to cross the street.
The cause of the fire has not been determined as of Tuesday morning.
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
