On Monday, October 10, 2022, Suffolk (VA) Fire & Rescue responded to the 2500 block of E. Washington Street for a reported commercial fire alarm. Emergency communications dispatched the incident at 1:33 p.m.
Fire units arrived at 1:38 p.m. to find the assisted living facility evacuated with moderate smoke in the business. Because of the smoke conditions and indication that a fire was in the building, Engine 3 and Ladder 3 upgraded the alarm to a commercial fire response. After an investigation to determine the origin of the smoke and fire, Engine 3 and Ladder 3 found a fire in the recreational room of the assisted living facility that was intentionally set to the curtains and a couch.
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A 70-year-old female resident was placed in custody by the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office and Suffolk Police after admitting to firefighters and Suffolk Police Officers that she set the fire. The fire was extinguished and smoke was removed from the recreational area, the dining room, and two residential halls.
Firefighters used meters to perform atmospheric monitoring to verify the conditions in the facility were safe for residents to return. There were no injuries to residents of the facility or firefighters. The incident remains under investigation by the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office, and charges are pending.
Responding units included Car 1, Battalion 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Ladder 3, Ladder 6, Rescue 1, Medic 3, EMS 1, Safety 1, Fire Marshal 4 and 6, and Suffolk Police.
