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Water damage forces apartment evacuation

Posted at 9:18 AM, Jan 15, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-15 15:24:15-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - A 55-unit apartment building was evacuated Tuesday morning after a damaged sprinkler leaked water onto the 8th floor of the Grace Place Apartment building, according to Richmond Fire Department spokesman Lt. Robbie Haggaman.

Haggaman said there was no fire in the building, however water from the sprinkler did significant damage.

The American Red Cross, Virginia Capital Region provided food and shelter to the people who live in the units impacted by the evacuation. The Red Cross set-up a shelter for the evacuees at Fifth Baptist Church.

"Our first priority is to ensure that the residents displaced have a warm and dry place to stay and food at eat," Red Cross regional director Jonathan McNamara said in a statement. "We are coordinating with Richmond Fire, VHDA and Social Services to develop a plan for housing moving forward."

Evacuees with questions can call the Red Cross at (804) 343-2781.