Hampton Family Still Bear Scars From Devastating Condo Fire

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Recently, Sylvia Burris tied the knot; however, she described the experience as bittersweet following recent events. Her condominium was among six properties completely obliterated in a blaze at the Pine Condo Harbour complex on April 18th in Hampton.

On that day, twelve condominiums suffered damage, with half of those being completely destroyed. Among the lost was one property belonging to Sylvia Burris; photographs revealed the scant remains of her condo.

She tied the knot with Steven Burris on Saturday, describing it as bittersweet following everything she has endured since April 18.

Adding to her troubles, she says the Homeowners Association informed those affected that they must keep up with their monthly HOA fees of approximately $580, which also encompasses a pre-established special assessment fee.

We can’t comprehend why we continue to be liable for fees associated solely with the benefits of property ownership when the property itself no longer exists,” stated Steven Burris. “We are uncertain about the legality of this situation.

Sylvia Burris mentioned that she learned of this situation during an HOA meeting after the fire. She and her newlywed spouse believe it adds further insult to their misfortune.

It served as my residence for 16 and a half years until it was ravaged by flames,” Sylvia Burris stated. “I have lost every penny I saved throughout my lifetime along with all personal possessions—the fruits of my labor—are now vanished. My fellow residents in the same structure also ended up losing virtually everything. We find ourselves entirely without homes, which makes it unbelievable that the HOA expects us to keep making payments.

The reconstruction of the condominiums is expected to take between 12 to 18 months.

Burris shared photos of her condominium with us, but she maintains, “I still haven’t viewed the images. I lack the emotional strength to go through them just yet.”

Number 10 reached out to him and talked to his spouse, who mentioned he was unavailable. Additionally, the HOA lawyer did not respond to our message.

I wish to speak up for my neighbors,” she stated. “I am aware that I am a military veteran. Steve is also a military veteran. A fellow military veteran resided next door to me. His service dog passed away in the fire.

“They clearly expressed their sympathy and indicated that there were positive feelings about rebuilding. They believe the community will become larger and stronger,” she stated.

We didn’t find anywhere in the document that clearly states the homeowners would be liable for these payments in such a scenario,” Steven Burris stated. “We’re essentially being asked to accept what they say at face value and nothing more.

We reached out to you to shed some light on the matter since it involves the homeowner association. If they plan to take advantage of all the homeowners here, this issue needs to be exposed as I believe it might not be legally sound.

Said Sylvia Burris: “It affected me greatly. You know, just sleepless nights. I lost my sister to cancer two years ago. So, her clothing, her memorabilia, all of that was destroyed in the fire.”

Sylvia and Steven Burris still have each other, that beautiful wedding which puts light at the end of the tunnel.

“It has certainly been a very challenging time, but we did go forward with our wedding day,” Sylvia Burris said, “and I’m looking forward to a new chapter, starting a new chapter of life together.”