MARTINSVILLE, Va. – One person is dead after a Martinsville structure fire that took close to five hours to put out, according to Martinsville officials.
At about 2 a.m., crews with Martinsville Fire & EMS were called to the fire in the 200 block of Fayette Street and arrived to find the building engulfed in flames, with a victim inside.
“There had been a partial collapse and due to that and other debris, it took them a little while to be able to finally remove him from the structure,” said Chief Dan Howell of the Martinsville Fire Dept.
The fire was marked under control at 6:10 a.m. and fully extinguished at about 7:15 a.m.
The victim’s body has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for identification.
Neighbors stopped by the scene throughout the day Tuesday, stunned by the loss of the longtime resident.
“He was a churchgoing guy. I wish there was something I could have did to save him,” said Billy Holland, who lives close by. “I just don’t know what to say. All I can say it’s in God’s hands. It’s all I can say.”
Authorities say the building was destroyed, with the neighboring church said to have exterior radiant heat damage and light smoke on the interior.
Damages are estimated to be $70,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Howell said the fire serves as a reminder that all homes should have working smoke detectors. He said his department and others in the area will provide and install them for free, upon request.
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