City of Williamsburg Fire Department and James City County Fire Department were dispatched to the 100 block of Berkeley Lane at 7:03 p.m. for a residential structure fire.
The first unit arrived on scene at 7:12 p.m. and found smoke coming from an apartment over a detached garage. Firefighters found an active fire when they entered the apartment. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which was contained to the apartment. The fire was marked under control at 7:26 p.m.
The City of Williamsburg’s Community Risk Reduction team is currently investigating the cause and origin of the fire. One occupant of the apartment was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
This incident serves as a good reminder to check your smoke alarms and replace them if they are more than 10 years old; practice exit drills in your place of residence; and practice safe cooking techniques. Additionally, during this time of year, please ensure you are not overloading household receptacles or other electrical devices such as power strip cords. Water your live Christmas trees to prevent them from becoming too dry.
Any questions related to this incident, the department’s Smoke Alarm Program, or the department’s Home Safety Survey program, can be directed to the Williamsburg Fire Department at 757-220-6220.