Newport News, Va. – Newport News firefighters responded to two separate house fires Saturday night within 20 minutes of each other in the Southeastern part of the city, officials tell NewsChannel 3.
At this time, the fires are unrelated, officials say, and both were initially deemed accidental in cause.
Firefighters responded to the first fire in the 1200 block of 31st Street. The call came in at 5:42 p.m. with the first arriving firefighters on scene at 5:46 p.m. Firefighters reported fire and smoke coming from the second floor window and roof line. The fire was brought under control by 6:10 p.m. with firefighters remaining on scene until 8:35 p.m.
The family of five was reported not home at the time of the fire, officials say, but The Red Cross was called to assist the family because of extensive damage to the home. In all, two adults with three children were assisted. One firefighter also received a minor injury and was sent to the hospital to be checked out.
The second fire was reported about 20 minutes later in the 1000 block of 23rd Street. The fire call came in at 6:01 p.m. with the first arriving engine at 6:05 p.m.
Firefighters reported fire on the main floor of the home with fire in the back bedroom. Fire had spread to the neighboring home into the eve of the roof line.
The burning home received heat and smoke damage, officials say. Firefighters remained on scene until 10:01 p.m.
The Red Cross was called for the family of three (two adults and one child) because of extensive damage to the home. One firefighter received injury and was taken to the hospital for a reported ankle injury.
Exact causes of both fires have not been determined and remain under investigation. At initial look, officials say both fires appear to be accidental in nature.
Stay with NewsChannel 3 for updates.
