Heroic efforts at Suffolk fatal fire

By BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT, Senior Correspondent | November 02, 2021 | VIRGINIA

Story No. 110221103

Photo by Photo courtesy Suffolk FireHeroic efforts at Suffolk fire.

Photo by Photo courtesy Suffolk Fire

Photo by Photo courtesy Suffolk Fire

SUFFOLK,VA-Firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue were dispatched on Oct. 24 at 1:26 a.m., for a structure fire in the 700 block of Hollywood Avenue, with possible trapped victims.

While crews were enroute to the fire, bystanders assisted one victim out of the burning dwelling.

Engine 3, Ladder 3 and Medic 3 arrived on scene and discovered heavy fire showing from the front, left side and attic area of the one story structure.

Due to fire conditions, Ladder 3 initiated a Vent, Enter, Search tactic, said Suffolk Fire Officials. Crew members entered through a rear window and found a disabled, bedridden male in heavy smoke conditions. Firefighters removed the victim through the back window which they had enlarged.

The 70 year-old victim who was in critical condition, was flown by Nightingale Air Ambulance to a hospital.

The fire was marked under control at 1:54 a.m.

In spite of the valiant efforts of the Suffolk firefighters, the victim passed away on Oct.28.

The residence sustained heavy fire, smoke and heat damage.

Three residents were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross.

Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal Chris Cornwell said the cause is undetermined but believed to be accidental.

Responding units were: Battalions 1 and 2, Engines 3,1 and 2, Ladder 3,Medics 3 and 6, Rescue 1, EMS-1, Safety 1, Fire Marshals 5 and 6, Suffolk Police, Nightingale and the Red Cross.