Deadly Lynchburg house fire likely accidental in nature, Fire Marshal’s Office says

Authorities say one person was found dead in the home and another was hospitalized

LYNCHBURG, Va.UPDATE 3:45 p.m.:

The Fire Marshal’s office has provided an update on the cause of the fire that left one person dead and one person in the hospital Tuesday morning in Lynchburg.

Around 8:30 a.m., crews were called to the 1200 block of Early Street where they found fire and heavy smoke throughout the home.

Authorities said one resident was found dead under the stairwell on the first floor, and another resident managed to escape before firefighters got to the scene.

We’re told the person that escaped was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment after getting hurt while trying to re-enter the home.

More than 30 firefighters and other emergency personnel responded to the fire, and no firefighters were hurt during the incident, the fire department said.

The victims have not been identified at this time.

The Lynchburg Fire Marshal’s office investigated the fire and said it was likely accidental in nature, caused by an electrical fault or overloaded circuits.

The damages to the home were estimated to be more than $30,000, authorities said.


ORIGINAL STORY:

One person is dead and another is in the hospital following a fire Tuesday morning (Oct.18), according to the Lynchburg Fire Department.

Fire crews were called to the 1200 block of Early Street at about 8:30 a.m., and arrived to find fire just inside the front door and heavy smoke throughout the home.

Authorities told 10 News that a resident was found dead under the stairwell on the first floor.

Another resident managed to escape the blaze before firefighters arrived at the scene, but was hurt when he tried to reenter the home, according to the fire department.

He has been transported to Lynchburg General Hospital.

The fire department says more than 30 firefighters and other emergency personnel responded to the fire. No firefighters were hurt during the incident.

The victims have not been identified at this time.

The Lynchburg Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.


About the Authors

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.

Alli Graham came aboard the digital team as an evening digital content producer in June 2022.

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