RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit has identified the victims of the two latest fatal house fires as:

1. 3206 5^th Avenue: Tanica Bryant, 45 years old
2. 3206 Delaware Avenue: Leroy Davis, 75 years old

At approximately 5:53 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, crews responded to 3206 5th Avenue for the report of a house fire. Once on scene, they saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. The occupants were already outside. Richmond Ambulance Authority crews transported Tanica Bryant and another adult female to a local hospital for treatment. Bryant succumbed to her injuries Tuesday, May 4, 2021. The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit is still working to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

At approximately 9:41 a.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021, crews responded to 3206 Delaware Avenue for the report of a house fire. Once on scene, they saw heavy smoke coming from the residence, which had evidence of what appeared to be hoarding inside. At 9:57 a.m., RFD crews found Leroy Davis on the second floor of the home and quickly brought him outside. RFD crews provided immediate care and Henrico County medics transported Davis to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit determined the fire was accidental and started in a first-floor room on the left side of the residence.

There have been five fatal house fires in the City of Richmond so far this year. The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is starting the “Fire Safety Five to Stay Alive” campaign and would like to remind citizens of these best practices:

1. Get out and stay out of a house on fire. Make and practice a fire escape plan.
2. Clear the clutter, as it can become an obstacle to escape. Have a clear path to your exits.
3. Do not overload extension cords and power strips. Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
4. Have working smoke alarms and test them once a month. Replace your alarms after 10 years.
5. Always smoke outside. Never smoke in bed. Make sure cigarettes and ashes are put out completely.