Safety plan to be developed for Rotunda

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The access codes to The Rotunda in Norfolk have been changed for the first time in four years. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Harry Worley said residents were too lax, giving out the codes to too many people.

The Rotondua Condominium Owners Association, management company and fire investigators met privately Friday morning to hammer out a safety plan for the building.

After five fires in little more than a week, signs are now posted outside the condo complex notifying all that the building is closed until further notice. Right now, restoration crews are cleaning up water damage and investigators continue to gather evidence, Worley said.

"The Fire Marshals go through their process looking for clues looking for any information that can lead them down a path," Worley added.

Some evidence has already been sent to a forensics lab, but Worley would not say what that evidence was.

"I can't predict what this arsonist is going to do, but I don't think there's any more risk today then there was a week ago," Worley continued.

Worley said investigators are guarding every entrance point to the building.

Chief Worley wouldn't say how many people, but did say the investigation would ultimately come with a price tag because of overtime.

In addition to the development of a security plan, an independent contractor will have to declare the building's wires, fuses and circuit breakers safe before residents are allowed back inside.  Chief Worley said that could be within a week.