Henry County authorities rule Collinsville home fire accidental

A man was pronounced dead at the scene, police say

WSLS (WSLS)

COLLINSVILLE, Va.UPDATE - Dec. 6

Authorities say the fire that left one dead at a Collinsville home on Dec. 30 has been ruled accidental.

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Fire crews responded to a brush fire call at 216 Ridge Road in Collinsville at about 2:30 p.m.

Authorities say upon arrival, they discovered a man lying in the backyard with burn injuries. The man was identified as 78-year-old Richard Harris, a resident of the home at the scene.

After investigation, authorities say it was determined that Harris has been cleaning leaves from the backyard and burning them when his clothing caught fire. He suffered burns to his entire body, and was pronounced dead at the scene.


ORIGINAL STORY

Authorities in Henry County are conducting an investigation after a fire and a fatality at a home in Collinsville.

We’re told the incident happened at a home in the 200 block of Ridge Road on Friday, Dec. 30.

There was a fire in the yard of the home, which was put out by the fire department, according to the Fire Marshal.

A fatality occurred and the body has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s office in Roanoke for identification and to determine the cause of death, authorities said.

The Fire Marshal did not clarify if the fire and the fatality were related.

At this time, details are limited.

10 News is working for you to learn more about the incident


About the Author:

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