Firefighters respond to another blaze at Chesterfield data center just weeks after previous fire
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Just weeks after a fire blazed inside a room in a Chesterfield data center, firefighters responded to another blaze at the same location Monday morning.
In the morning on Monday, Sept. 8, Chesterfield County Fire and EMS crews responded to a structure fire at Chirisa Technology Park, located at 1401 Meadowville Technology Parkway.
Officials said a fire was contained to a battery room at Chirisa Technology Park by its sprinkler system.
Crews remained on scene throughout the day to control flare-ups, which Chesterfield Fire and EMS said can happen when dealing with fires involving batteries.
This comes about two and a half weeks after firefighters responded to a fire inside a room at the same data center on Aug. 20.
Officials said this is the fourth incident at this facility within the last year. The company is reportedly working with the Chesterfield Fire Marshal’s Office to address the root cause of these incidents and reduce the risk of future fires.
Following the August fire, 8News spoke to Mary Finley-Brook, a University of Richmond professor who studies data centers, who said responding to these types of fires poses unique challenges.
Chesterfield Fire and EMS said fires at data centers like this one are extremely rare, and the agency is optimistic that proposed improvements at this facility will address current concerns.
8News has reached out to the data center’s owner, Chirisa Technology Parks, multiple times by both phone and email for further information about both fires. We have not yet received a response.
A spokesperson for Chesterfield Fire provided 8News with the bullet-pointed statement the owner reportedly gave to the department just before 5 p.m. on Monday, which reads as follows:
- “Our CTP-01 facility experienced a battery room fire which was contained to one room.”
- “There are no injuries and there is no threat to the public.”
- “Fire crews will remain on scene to ensure any hot spots are extinguished.”
- “CTP is working closely with the Chesterfield County Fire Department and will provide updates as necessary.”
Spokesperson for Chirisa Technology Parks, via Chesterfield County Fire and EMS
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Firefighters respond to another blaze at Chesterfield data center just weeks after previous fire, source
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