JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) – A Virginia fire department is now investigating after an underground fire caused part of a parking lot to collapse on Saturday.
The James City County Fire Department said they were dispatched around 9 a.m. to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets for a possible fire underground.
Units arrived to find the parking lot behind the stores partially collapsed and an active fire in the underground stormwater detention facility. They shared a photo below of the parking lot, showing cracked and sagging pavement spanning roughly a dozen parking spots.
Out of an abundance of caution and due to smoke, some area businesses were evacuated.
As of 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, the James City County Fire Department said this fire continues to burn, and smoke has increased.
Firefighters remained on the scene and were working to cool down the area to keep the smoke down as much as possible.
Nearby businesses have reopened and the cemetery near the Premium Outlets is not in danger.
They warned the public should consider avoiding the area if they have respiratory problems.
Authorities have not yet shared what may have caused the fire.