Cause of four-alarm West Ocean View fire ruled undetermined
By Kevin Green Published: July 22, 2016, 12:27 pm Updated: July 22, 2016, 12:38 pm
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The cause of a massive four-alarm house fire in the West Ocean View section of Norfolk this past February has been ruled undetermined.
The destructive fire broke out overnight on Feb. 13, and burned through several condominium and apartment buildings on Willoughby Spit. Between 30 and 40 residents were displaced in the fire.
A total of 42 condo units suffered heavy fire damage, resulting in the demolition of several buildings.
Norfolk Fire-Rescue announced the finding on Friday, following a five-month, multi-agency investigation.
Officials determined that the fire started on the second floor balcony of a three-story residential building on West Ocean View Avenue. The building was destroyed in the fire.
Possible sources of ignition were reportedly identified, but officials say the source cannot be identified.
Fire and rescue crews from several Hampton Roads cities responded to the fire in February.
Norfolk Fire-Rescue Chief Jeffery Wise said in February that in 37 years, he has only seen a handful of fires like this one.