RICHMOND, Va. -- Sources within the Richmond Fire Department indicated a Wednesday morning apartment fire was intentionally set. The fire started just before 6 a.m. at an apartment building located at 2223 Walcott Place, off Nine Mile Road. Fire investigators said debris near the apartment caught fire first. The flames then spread to the building and into the attic.
Investigators believe the fire was set by someone who lived in the neighborhood, sources said.
The building was evacuated while crews fought the fire.
India Meyers and her family were sleeping when the fire started.
"My mom came and rushed in and she told me to hurry up and grab some stuff and get out," Meyers said. "I just thought about the animals first, now we are just out here with our pets."
Firefighters said four of the building's six units were damaged by the fire. Twelve people, eight of whom are children, were displaced. The Red Cross said they would help the families find a safe place to stay.
The fire was contained by 6:30 am.
