NN fire-Diplomat Court
NEWPORT NEWS-A late-night fire damaged three apartments in Newport News.
Deputy Chief Scott Liebold says there was an electrical short in the water heater for apartment 1 at 563 Diplomat Court.
"The occupant entered the hall where the water heater was and saw flames at the bottom of it, exited the apartment and made the call around 11:25 p.m.," he said.
That apartment was condemned and two units above it will need cleaning due to smoke damage, he noted.
Investigators estimate the fire caused $20,000 in damage to the homes and residents lost about $10,000 worth of personal property.
The Red Cross-Coastal Virginia helped the two adults with food and lodging. Officials said the two have renter's insurance.
