Firefighters said many residents were disoriented
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (FOX5DC) – Residents at a high-rise apartment building in Alexandria were forced to evacuate early Thursday morning after a fire broke out in their building.
The blaze was reported at the Sentinel at Landmark apartments on Stevenson Avenue just after 2 a.m. Fire crews say the fire started on the ninth floor of the building, and flames extended to the 10th floor. They also say debris from the fire fell and sparked a fire on the balcony of a first floor apartment.
Residents told FOX 5’s Annie Yu they were awakened by the fire alarm, and by firefighters banging on their doors as they tried to evacuate the building. Firefighters said the scene was chaotic when they arrived, as all of the residents in the 14-story building tried to get out. Many of them were frightened and disoriented as they ran down the stairs.
Officials say three people suffered non-life threatening injuries, including two firefighters. A man who lives in the building also suffered burns to his head, and is being treated at a local hospital.
Yu reported residents who live on the first seven floors of the building have been allowed back in, as of 5:30 a.m.
On scene with units on Stephenson Ave. Fire on #9 and #10 floors. Under control checking for extension. pic.twitter.com/1bVKbP3ppl
— Robert Dubé (@AFDChief200) May 3, 2018
Fire at Sentinel at Landmark apt building originated in 9th floor apt before extending to the 10th floor. Debris from the fire dropped and started fire on balcony of 1st floor apt. Units from AFD & @ffxfirerescue responded. Fire alarm sounded and occupants evacuated. Fire is out. pic.twitter.com/dX8MaB46uz
— Alexandria Fire-EMS (@AlexandriaVAFD) May 3, 2018
#BREAKING Explosion around 2am in #Alexandria off Stevenson Ave caused a massive top floor apartment fire! @AlexandriaVAFD responded with incredible speed! Truly insane event for this neighborhood! pic.twitter.com/NyKNxxOHlB
— Stephen Hall (@StocksAllUp) May 3, 2018
