No injuries after crews battle 3-alarm fire at historic Richmond building: 'Big team effort'

RICHMOND, Va. — No one was hurt after a fire tore through a historic five-story building with apartments and businesses on West Broad Street in Richmond, fire officials said, in a blaze that took crews about nine hours to battle.

The fire broke out just after 9 p.m. in the 100 block of West Broad Street, according to Richmond Fire Deputy Chief Rodney Epps. When crews arrived, they thought they were dealing with a small outside fire, but they soon realized it was coming from the first-floor basement area of the building.

When crews arrived, they thought they were dealing with a small outside fire, but they soon realized it was coming from the first-floor basement area of the building.

Crews tried to put the fire out but found it had begun to spread. About 20 minutes in, the flames reached the second floor, Epps said. Firefighters discovered hidden spaces in the building they couldn't initially reach, which gave the fire time to spread.

The building, in the 100 block of West Broad Street, was originally constructed in 1887 as a Masonic Temple. Today it houses the Renaissance venue — which hosts weddings and other ceremonies — along with other businesses and apartments. Its age and many modifications made the fire harder to fight.

"They realized the fire was actually in more concealed spaces inside this structure, which is old, so that means a lot of modifications have been done," Epps said.

Crews called a second alarm about 40 minutes into the fire and later went to a third alarm to bring in more resources and fresh crews. Epps said firefighters rotated in and out through the night, working the scene for close to nine hours.

SCENE VIDEO: Richmond crews battle flames at downtown building overnight

Despite the long battle, Epps said everyone made it out safely.

"No firefighters hurt, no civilians hurt, and even the dogs came out great today," Epps said.

The building has residential apartments above and commercial establishments below, Epps said. All of the occupants were evacuated earlier, and the businesses downstairs were closed at the time. Some of those displaced were given assistance from the Red Cross.

Crews also worked to get residents' pets to safety. Epps said firefighters helped evacuate all of the animals, with one firefighter caring for a dog until animal control arrived. In another case, crews held onto a dog in a room until its owner arrived to be reunited.

"A couple of people (were reunited) with their animals, so success story all the way around," Epps said.

Epps credited the response to help from neighboring departments, including Henrico and Chesterfield counties, whose crews joined Richmond firefighters on scene.

"All our local partners came in because they know all our resources were down here taking care of the fire," Epps said. "It was a great day, big team effort all the way around."

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Epps said investigators were beginning their work and did not yet know how the fire started.

This is a developing story, so check back with WTVR.com for updates. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have info, photos or videos to share.