Kitchen fire kills man, leaves wife in critical condition

Barry and Joyce Rose both used wheelchairs and could not escape

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – A retired Alleghany County deputy has died after a fire that left his wife in critical condition. 

The fire started in the kitchen of a home in the 100 block of Falcon Ridge Road, which is in the Clifton Forge area of Alleghany County. The 911 call came in at 10:20 p.m. Thursday. 

Barry Rose died Friday morning. His wife, Joyce, is in critical condition at the VCU Medical Center.

Barry and Joyce Rose both used wheelchairs, according to a neighbor. Ryan Muterspaugh, public safety director for Alleghany County, said the couple's disabilities factored in their inability to escape. 

Credit: Pam Wilmer

Barry Rose was retired and in his late 60s, according to an Alleghany County deputy who knew Rose. Rose formerly worked as a deputy with the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office. He was also a DARE officer, and worked for multiple local fire departments over the course of his career. 

Five fire departments responded, and a sixth was on standby. Over 50 emergency workers were on the scene. Crews left around 2 a.m. 

While the cause is unknown, investigators say the fire started in the kitchen. 

Muterspaugh said this has been very hard for the first responders and the community as a whole. Many people who knew the couple say they were well-known and well-respected. 

Weather prevented a helicopter transport crew from responding. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

 

It is with great great sadness that I announce the passing of Past Captain Barry Rose. Barry passed away due to injuries...

Posted by Clifton Forge Rescue Squad Inc on Friday, March 30, 2018