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UPDATE: North Main Street remains closed from the 1200 Block of N. Main St. to the intersection of East Constance Road. Fire department supply lines are still in place across N. Main St. as crews are
working to extinguish hot spots as they arise during the demolition of the building. The closure is expected to remain in place until approximately noon today

The building had an apartment on the second floor, and two occupants have been displaced as a result of the incident. The residents were home at the time of the fire but were able to exit the structure on their own. No injuries have been reported. The SFR Fire Marshal’s Office will continue to investigate the cause and origin of the fire.

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Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 700 Block of N. Main Street for a commercial structure fire at Carts Unlimited. The Suffolk Emergency Communications Dispatch Center dispatched the incident at 10:04 p.m. According to fire chief Michael Barakey, the fire was brought under control at approximately 3:43 a.m.; however, as of 5 a.m., crews were still working hot spots and Main St remained closed at 1200 Block of N. Main Street to the intersection of E.
Constance Rd. The building has partially collapsed and the structural integrity of the building remains a concern.

Upon arrival at 10:07 p.m., crews found heavy fire and smoke showing from a large commercial building. Fire was visible from the roof, and heavy smoke was emanating from the interior. Following a coordinated interior attack to search for any occupants believed to be inside the building, an evacuation order was issued by command at 10:51 p.m. As of the time of the release, defensive operations are ongoing.

There have been no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians at this time.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has been contacted due to hazardous materials present in the building and to contain run-off. The Portsmouth Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team is responding to assist with controlling the run-off.