Two-alarm fire shuts down multiple blocks in downtown Richmond

Multiple city blocks downtown were closed midday Tuesday as firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at the First National Bank Apartments. 

According to the active call log maintained by Richmond’s Department of Emergency Communications, dispatchers were first called to the 800 block of East Main Street at 10:32 a.m. Tuesday.

Bystanders said the massive emergency response was due to a basement fire in the First National Bank Apartments building, where at least a dozen firefighters could be seen congregating around the entrance. The building's occupants were evacuated, and no injuries have been reported.

"Upon arrival, crews found smoke conditions in the lower levels of the high-rise structure," the Richmond Fire Department said in a release. "Once units were on scene, they requested additional resources and upgraded the fire to a second alarm at 10:40 a.m. due to smoke conditions in the high-rise."

RFD said the source of the fire was "the lower sub-basement."

"The fire was extinguished, and units are looking for extensions at this time," the release said.

The historic 18-story building at the corner of East Main and 9th streets that was once home to Richmond’s First National Bank was converted into 154 apartments more than a decade ago, with commercial space on the ground floor. 

The fire department said units are expected to remain on scene for "an extended amount of time as operations continue."

A 12:30 p.m. traffic advisory says drivers should expect "significant delays" into this evening as 8th and 9th streets are closed, and the 800, 900 and 1000 blocks of Main Street are impacted.

Chesterfield County’s Fire and EMS Department helped clear smoke from the building using its Mobile Ventilation Unit, a truck equipped with a large fan on the back. According to a social media post, the county deploys assistance to neighboring jurisdictions when they need support.

The fire remains under investigation.

This is a breaking news story that will be updated as more information is available.

Contact Eleanor Shaw at eshaw@richmonder.org. She is a Report for America corps member.

Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at svogelsong@richmonder.org