MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WFXR) – Martinsville Fire and EMS responded to a structure fire that killed one person and damaged a church on November 26.
Around 1:53 a.m. on Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched to 214 Fayette Street where Martinsville Police were already on the scene. Officers confirmed to firefighters that an occupant was inside the building who then began working to extinguish the fire and find the victim.
The victim was found and pronounced deceased on the scene. Crews removed the deceased victim and continued working to extinguish the blaze.
The fire was under control around 6:10 a.m.; however, crews remained on scene until 7:14 a.m. to completely extinguish the fire.
The victim was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for a positive identification.
The original structure was destroyed and the neighboring building’s attic endured extensive damage.
The church to the left of the fire sustained heat damage on the exterior and smoke damage to the interior. Damage estimates after preliminary investigation are around $70,000. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Martinsville Fire and Ems were assisted by the following: Henry County Department of Public Safety, Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company, Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, City of Martinsville Public Works, Martinsville Electric, and Martinsville Police. Southwest Virginia Gas also assisted with utility control.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and remains under investigation.
Martinsville Fire Department advises citizens to exercise the proper use of electric heaters and that Christmas lights/decor are wired properly.