FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2021
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - An early morning house fire claims the life of one occupant, two others are in critical condition.
Firefighters from across the city were called to the 1000 block of Cherry Ave in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 21. Within four minutes of the 911 call, fire trucks from the Ridge Firehouse arrived on the scene with heavy smoke and fire conditions. Firefighters worked quickly and entered the burning building and removing one trapped occupant. That occupant, and two others who escaped the building, were immediately transported to the UVA Medical Center by both the Charlottesville Fire Department and the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad.
Unfortunately, one occupant died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The Charlottesville Fire Marshal's Office is working to determine the cause of the fire.
The Charlottesville Fire Department reminds everyone to ensure their home has working smoke alarms on every floor. Check your smoke alarms monthly and replace any smoke alarm that is older than ten years.
Media Contact
Dr. Hezedean Smith
Fire Chief
Charlottesville Fire Department
(434) 970-3323
smithhez@charlottesville.gov