HAMPTON, Va. — A building at the Hampton/NASA Steam Plant caught fire early Thursday morning, according to the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue.
Crews responded to a call for a fire in the debris pit of the steam plant at around 1:00 a.m. When they arrived, they found a heavy fire inside the building with flames showing above the roof line. HDF&R says a second alarm was called for more resources.
Crews first attacked the fire from the outside before placing suppression devices inside the building. Hampton Public Works assisted in moving and taking out debris to get to the seat of the fire in the debris pit.
HDF&R says the bulk of the fire was knocked down at 2:24 a.m., but crews remained on scene to flow water and foam, ensuring the fire was fully extinguished.
"The roof of the steam plant was burned through in some of the areas. The cranes were very badly damaged," explained Mike Holtzclaw, Communication Coordinator for the City of Hampton. "We're just very happy there were no injuries. That’s the first thing you look for and we’re very happy about that."
The fire was contained to the front of the building where the trash was stored and burned, Holtzclaw said, adding that the cinder block firewall stopped it from spreading to the rest of the building where administrative offices are.
All workers were safely evacuated and no injuries have been reported, but Holtzclaw said the steam plant's roof was burned through and will likely have to be replaced.
The cranes were badly damaged as well, but Holtzclaw said they are unsure if they will have to be fully replaced. An adjustor is assessing the damages to get an estimate.
Crews from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, NASA Security Forces, Hampton Police Division, Poquoson Fire Department, Hampton volunteer firefighters and support staff, and Dominion Virginia Power assisted in the operation.
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