Decatur Street Fatal House Fire Deemed Accidental
RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit has determined the cause of the recent fatal house fire on Decatur Street was accidental and the source of ignition was electrical.
At approximately 4:41 a.m. on June 3, 2022, crews responded to 1318 Decatur Street for multiple reports of a house fire. Once on scene, they saw heavy fire coming from the first floor of the home, extending to the front porch. Crews were then told of two individuals still possibly inside on the second floor, so they conducted a vent-enter-search (VES) to that area for a primary search. Once the fire in the front of the home was knocked down, crews were quickly able to remove the occupants and put out the remaining fire. The incident was marked under control at 5:17 a.m.
Tyrone E. Webb, 75, was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman in her 70s was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. She is now in stable condition and expected to recover.
Investigators did not find smoke alarms in the home. As a reminder to the public, the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services will install smoke alarms for free. Residents can call our Fire Prevention Office at (804) 646-6640 or our Smoke Alarm Request Line at (804) 646-1526 to schedule an appointment.
The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services also wants to remind residents of the “Fire Safety Five to Stay Alive”:
1. Get out and stay out of a house on fire. Make and practice a fire escape plan.
2. Clear the clutter, as it can become an obstacle to escape. Have a clear path to your exits.
3. Do not overload extension cords and power strips. Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
4. Have working smoke alarms and test them once a month. Replace your alarms after 10 years.
5. Always smoke outside. Never smoke in bed. Make sure cigarettes and ashes are put out completely.
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