Massive fire at Norfolk furniture store

NORFOLK, Va (WAVY) - A massive two alarm fire at Norfolk's Grand Furniture Outlet is now out, according to fire officials. However, crews do continue to monitor hot spots.

Fire officials tell WAVY.com two firefighters were injured in the blaze that tore through the business' warehouse in the back of the building; a firewall between the warehouse and the showroom is credited with keeping the flames contained to the warehouse.

Norfolk Fire crews responded to the scene at the Grand Furniture Outlet Store in the 6300 block of East Virginia Beach Blvd. at around 4:30 Monday morning. Battalion Chief Harry Worley tells WAVY.com that the fire was called in at 4:22 a.m.

Upon arrival, fire crews were greeted by heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.

The roof of the building partially collapsed at around 5 a.m., according to Worley.

"There was a partial collapse in the rear of the building. This is a building that is built with concrete walls and steel...steel does heat up and will expand," Worley told WAVY.com.

Heavy smoke and flames were reported in the area, but fire officials said there was no need to evacuate the area.

Ken Bell of nearby Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, said, "The only effect we have is odor from the fire. The firemen did a great job. We see nothing wrong at this point."

Manager of Auto Connection, Rudy Elliot, said he feels bad for Grand Furniture.

"I'm glad no one was injured. No one was in there when it occurred," he said. "It made it difficult this morning to get to work with the road blocked off and everything."

Company officials say everything that was destroyed in the warehouse was insured.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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