4 killed, including 3 children in Chesterfield house fire

One adult and three children lost their lives in an overnight house fire in Chesterfield. Officials said several others are in critical condition. Fire crews were called to the 9900 block of Glass Road shortly after midnight on Friday. Once they arrived on the scene, firefighters found heavy fire from the first-floor window and immediately went into rescue mode. A second and third alarm was called after hearing from neighbors that there were multiple people trapped inside. Officials said one man was pronounced dead on the scene after being found at the original location of the fire. During a press conference, fire officials said that three children died during the fire. Several others were taken to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown at this time. Crews are still working to learn how many people were inside the home at the time of the fire.
WRIC-TV ABC 8 Richmond

Richmond Fire chief presents action plan for preventing fire injuries, deaths

VIDEO: Richmond Fire Chief Melvin Carter presented a report to the community discussing the number of fatal fires in the City of Richmond so far this year. Chief Carter also discussed the department’s action plan for preventing fire injuries and deaths. The City of Richmond has had three fatal fires this year. In 2020, there were two fatal fires as well in 2019. In 2018, Richmond Fire did not experience any fire deaths. “We only got a quarter through the year and unfortunately lost three lives,” Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said during the presentation. Mayor Stoney advised that all families come up with an emergency exit in case of a fire in their home. Chief Carter said the department is working to reduce fire fatalities and incidents. “One life lost, is one life lost too many,” Carter said.
WRIC-TV ABC 8 Richmond

2 adults, 5 children escape house fire in Danville

PHOTOS: Fire officials say a family has been displaced following a Friday morning fire at a Danville home. Crews responded to a reported structure fire at the 100 block of Shannon Drive at 2:55 a.m. According to the Danville Fire Department, a single-story residential had heavy fire showing from the rear and roof of the structure. All occupants were out when crews arrived. Two adults and five children were displaced -- the American Red Cross is assisting them with temporary shelter. They say the residence is a total loss. Four engines, one ladder truck a safety officer and a chief officer responded. The Danville Life Saving Crew as well as the Danville Police Department and the City Utilities department assisted.
WSET-TV ABC 13 Lynchburg

Woman charged with murder, arson after man found dead in Accomack County house fire

Investigators believe a 40-year-old woman set fire to a home in Accomack County where a man was found dead. Virginia State Police said Kimiko Tenallie Dickerson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and arson in the death of 59-year-old Delbert Dickerson. Police have not disclosed their relationship, but said both lived at the home. State Police said crews responded to the fire around 8 p.m. Thursday, April 15 in the 31000 block of Bishop Road in New Church and found Delbert Dickerson dead. Virginia State Police are leading the investigation at the request of the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office. No other details are currently available, but Kimiko Dickerson was taken to Accomack County Jail and denied bond.
WAVY-TV NBC 10 Portsmouth

Alexandria catering company works to feed 10,000 first responders

RX Catering company in Alexandria is not only feeding hungry stomachs but is ensuring front line workers have nutritious and balanced meals when exhaustion sets in. Cheron Burns, RX Catering Owner said, “It’s the small things. You’d be surprised what people get from a small meal.” For over a year front-line workers have been battling this pandemic. The goal set for Burns, is to see smiling faces while serving delicious food to the community. “We give great food, it’s not pizza, it’s not a sandwich, we want these first responders to actually enjoy a hot meal because they’ve been working so hard,” said Burns. Community members such as Burns church family, friends, and family wanted to help the cause, giving donations to Burns so she can accomplish her “First Responder Campaign” reaching 10,000 people.
WDVM-TV 25 Hagerstown

Motel Fire Causes No Injuries in Fairfax County

A motel fire in the Richmond Highway corridor yielded no injuries late Thursday, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. Units responded to the 6000 block of Richmond Highway around 11:35 p.m. A passerby had observed smoke showing from the motel and called 911. Units encountered fire upon arrival and quickly put it out. The Alexandria Fire Department assisted with the response. Investigators determined the fire's cause to be an electrical event involving a power strip. Damages were estimated to be $7,248. The fire department did not identify the motel, as it typically only releases block locations of fires.
Greater Alexandria Patch

Richmond Fire Department reminds drivers to move over after truck hit on I-95

The Richmond Fire Department is reminding drivers to move over or slow down when they see flashing lights after one of RFD’s trucks was hit on Wednesday morning. Crews were called around 10:12 a.m. for a vehicle fire on Interstate 95 south between Maury Street and Bells Road. Engine 5 was first on scene and started to put the fire out. Truck 2, with one fire captain and three firefighters, was held to help block - which means they activated their lights and angled the truck to block Engine 5. RFD said that while Truck 2 was doing this, a vehicle crashed into it and then hit another vehicle in the next lane. “Thankfully, none of our firefighters were injured. A Richmond Ambulance Authority crew then arrived on scene and examined the driver of the striking vehicle. Virginia State Police has charged that driver with failure to yield to an emergency vehicle,” RFD said.
WWBT-TV NBC 12 Richmond

3 families displaced after a house fire in Roanoke

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Fire officials say, three families, eight total residents, are without a home following a fire in Roanoke Wednesday night. According to the Roanoke Fire-EMS. crews responded around 7:51 p.m. at the 600 block of Strand Road NE. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from a house. When crews arrived at the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from a residential structure. It took crews about 30 minutes to get the fire under control. Officials said no one was hurt in the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
WSET-TV ABC 13 Lynchburg

Former Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Chief recognized by Kiwanis Club

Former Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Chief Steve Simon is being recognized by the Kiwanis Club for his service to the community. On Wednesday, Simon spoke at the club’s virtual meeting. He now serves as the executive director of the Western Virginia EMS Council and shared some insight into the future of fire and rescue while discussing current challenges. He says Roanoke County has had no instances of fire and rescue workers contracting COVID from patients. “One of the challenges is just all our folks have to take precautions. They have to be ready to go out on a moment’s notice, but they also have to put all this stuff on, especially if someone has [a] suspected [case] of COVID,” said Simon. Simon retired from the fire department earlier this year. Travis Griffith was promoted to chief last month.
WDBJ-TV CBS 7 Roanoke

Firefighters rescue two from burning townhouse in Dale City

Firefighters rescued two people Tuesday night from a burning townhouse on Emberdale Drive in Dale City. Crews arrived around 11:15 p.m. to find heavy smoke conditions through the home in the 14000 block of Emberdale Drive, Prince William Professional Firefighters said in a Facebook post. "Units worked quickly to search the buildings for trapped occupants and extinguish the fire," the post said. "Two occupants were located on the upper floor of the involved townhouse and were safely removed from the structure. The outcome could have been much worse due to the lack of working smoke detectors." No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation by the county fire marshal's office. Members left working smoke detectors at the residence before leaving the incident.
Inside NoVA

Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department buys new fire trucks

County and Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department officials signed a contract on April 9 for the purchase of two new trucks. One will replace a 1995 engine; the other, a 1998 ladder truck. Both new vehicles will be manufactured by Seagrave and be delivered in 2022. “This is the first new ladder truck ever built for the town of Smithfield,” said Smithfield VFD Chief Chris Edwards, referring to the 95-foot Seagrave aerialscope, which he said the department selected specifically because of several operations the department has handled at the Smithfield Foods plant in town. As such, Smithfield Foods has agreed to contribute $250,000 toward the purchase of the two vehicles via $50,000 annual payments over the next five years. “Smithfield Foods is tremendously grateful to Smithfield’s local volunteer firefighters, who bravely serve our community day in and day out,” said Jonathan Toms, charitable initiatives manager for Smithfield Foods.
Smithfield Times - Metered Site

Fire breaks out at recycling plant in Chesapeake

A warehouse that handles recycled materials for the Tidewater area, was forced to close operations Wednesday afternoon after it caught on fire. The Chesapeake Fire Department said it received a call on Wednesday, April 14, around 1:04 p.m. about a fire that broke out at TFC Recycling on 1958 Diamond Hill Road. This is located in the Portlock section. Firefighters were at the scene within six minutes of being dispatched. They said when they arrived, there was heavy smoke coming out of the warehouse. Crews extended hose lines into an area where a group of containers and conveyors sort the recycled supplies. Firefighters had the fire under control by 2:12 p.m. It is still an active scene at this time as units are making sure the fire is completely out. Officials said there were no injuries reported from this incident. The Chesapeake Fire Department said this incident will be under investigation.
WVEC-TV ABC 13 Hampton