October 21, 2008

Shortly before six o'clock this morning, the Charlottesville Fire Department responded to 601 Montrose Avenue for a basement fire. Upon arrival, smoke was coming from the house. It was soon upgraded to a two alarm fire and more firefighters were brought in to battle the flames.

Some members of the house woke up to a loud explosion. One of the residents did attempt to enter the basement, but was pushed back from the smoke. He believes the fire started with the hotwater heater. Fire officials are trying to determine an offical cause.

"It appears the fire traveled from the basement through a pipe chase inside the wall and went straight to the attic," said Battalion Chief Peter Carpenter.

The local Red Cross was notified and were on the scene. They are helping the residents and providing them with temporary shelter.

There we no injuires.