RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Fire Department’s Investigations Unit has determined this morning’s fatal house fire in the City’s Northside was accidental. They also determined the room of origin was on the first floor on the left side of the residence (see attached photo).

At approximately 9:41 a.m., 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 cluttered conditions inside. At 9:45 a.m., a working fire was declared.

At 9:56 a.m., a mayday was declared for an injured firefighter. He was operating on the second floor and he started falling through a hole. He caught himself and other firefighters pulled him back up, then helped him outside the house. A Richmond Ambulance Authority crew transported him to a local hospital with a non-life threatening injury.

At 9:57 a.m., an adult male was found on the second floor of the home and quickly brought outside. RFD crews provided immediate care. Henrico medics ended up transporting him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

At 10:02 a.m., a second-alarm was struck. At 10:03 a.m., Henrico County was contacted for an additional medic unit. At 10:46 a.m., the fire was marked under control.

The incident marks the fourth fatal fire in the City of Richmond so far this year.