Story/Photos By Martin C. Grube
Tidewater Fire Photographers Association
Virginia Beach VA -- Virginia beach firefighters responded to a reported structural fire on Wednesday, September 19, 2001 in the 200 block of S. Budding Avenue.
Once units began responding, Dispatch advised that she was receiving numerous calls. Engine 16 arrived on scene first and called "Working Fire" in a two story apartment complex and requested another engine and ladder.
Heavy fire was pushing from the roof line out or four apartments.
On Side C, witnesses saw a small child walk out of the second floor balcony, just below the fire and then reenter the apartment.
Several civilians made an attempted to climb up to the balcony to rescue the child.
As a firefighter secured a ground ladder to the balcony, interior crews gained entry into the apartment and quickly escorted the mother and child to safety.
Additional units responded bring the total to a second alarm response.
One firefighter suffered second degree burns.
The fire was under control within thirty minutes.
