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Richmond battles massive fire in century old school

This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

RICHMOND,VA-Richmond firefighters fought a valiant fight in dangerous, challenging conditions,on Feb. 11, when a century old school building located at 2300 Hanover Avenue, caught fire.

Fire officials said crews were dispatched at 10:35 p.m.

Scene upon arrival was heavy fire and smoke in the structure with fire showing from the top floor and roof.

Due to fire conditions a second alarm was declared at 10:50 p.m.

Firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack, but conditions continued to worsen.

The roof began to collapse and an evacuation order was given at 11:09 p.m.

Officials said the focus was then on defensive attack from the exterior.

Deck guns and monitors were hard hitting the flames with a deluge of water.

The order was given and master streams pummeled the raging fire.

At 11:13 p.m., a third alarm was declared.

The fire was marked under control at 2:44 a.m.

Officials said no injuries were reported.

During the battle with the school fire, Chesterfield Fire and EMS along with several units from Henrico Division of fire, provided fill- ins at Richmond stations.

The Metro Richmond Flying Squad provided rehab, and Petersburg Support 6 Unit, assisted the Flying Squad with an opportunity for a well deserved and much needed break.

Responding were 11 engines, 4 trucks, Air Light 1, 3 Battalion chiefs, Chief 10, a safety officer,logistics, mobile command,school officials, Richmond police, and the rehab units.

On Feb. 13 around 8 a.m., officials said firefighters were once again dispatched to the school for smoke spotted coming from the structure.

Upon investigation a file cabinet and some debris around it were discovered smoldering. Because of the extensive structural damage and danger of building collapse, firefighters extinguished the smoldering file cabinet, debris and some other hotspots with a master stream and did not enter the building.

Officials said the cause is under investigation.

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BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHTSenior Correspondent

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