Good News, P.F. Chang's Is Still Standing

This was the scene from right outside of my record store early this afternoon. The black smoke was pouring out a lot more than what this photo leads one to believe...

The Virginian-Pilot © August 10, 2006 Last updated 8:12 PM Aug. 10

VIRGINIA BEACH – Four cars were engulfed in flames in the Town Center parking garage at lunchtime today, sending thick clouds of pitch-black smoke from the building.

Police evacuated the Armada Hoffler tower and many surrounding businesses, but nobody was hurt.

Hundreds of business people in shirts and ties, dresses and heels were forced to leave their offices and the restaurants surrounding the tower. Dozens more came from Pembroke Mall across the street to watch the spectacle.

People milled around the sidewalks, the streets and the parking lots in and around Town Center, staring up at the thick smoke that belched from the building for a half-hour.

Officials said the gas tanks and tires in the car exploded, causing the heavy black smoke.
There are no sprinklers on the fourth floor of the parking garage, so there was nothing to immediately douse the flames. There are sprinklers only in the first three floors of the parking garage.

Meanwhile, traffic on Virginia Beach Boulevard continued flowing in both directions. Police closed two intersections within the Town Center complex. Many fire trucks and police cars were positioned around the main tower.

It is not known how long the parking garage will be closed.