Warren County Fire and Rescue units responded to a reported townhouse on fire with entrapment in 600 block of West 11th Street in Front Royal on Tuesday morning, January 13. A staffed ambulance arrived within 2 minutes at 619 West 11th St. from the hospital to find heavy smoke showing from roof of a two story townhouse. They assisted with evacuation that had been started by neighbors and passersby. Fire units arrived a short time later to find fire showing from the rear and smoke through the roof. Primary search was conducted to verify all occupants were out of the structure and fire was located in the second floor bedroom and void spaces of the roof and floor. Initial assignment brought units from Companies 1, 10, 2 and Truck 1, as well as County career staff. As size up showed fire extension into adjoining townhouses at 617 and 621 West 11th St. , a second alarm was requested and brought units from 4 and 51(StrasburgVFC 51).  Fire was brought under control in  50 minutes with complete extinguishment and overhaul taking 3 ½  hours.

The homeowners, Nicholson Enterprises owned the townhouses at 617 and 619, while 621 was owned by David Zigler of Manassas. Damage to 617 was estimated at $25,000, 621 at $45,000 and 621, the building of origin, at $125,000.  While occupants of 619 and 621 were staying with relatives, the occupants of 617 were being assisted by the Warren County Chapter of the Red Cross.

There were no injuries to occupants, but three firefighters received minor injuries, two of which were treated at Warren Memorial Hospital and released.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Warren County Fire and Rescue but is not believed suspicious.

Time of Call – 8:20 AM
Dispatch – 8:22 AM    Engines 1, 10, 2, Truck 1, Truck 10, Career staff
On scene – 8:25 AM    Fire from rear roof area
2nd Alarm – 8:47 AM       Engines 4 and Truck and Engine 51 (Strasburg)
Under Control – 9:42 AM
Cleared – 12:09  PM