A flashover forced Portsmouth firefighters to bail out of a blaze that claimed a man's life and left two others injured, according to The Virginian-Pilot.
Edward Earl Pace Jr. was on the bathroom floor of his Nicholson Street home when firefighter reached him. As they attempted to rescue him, the room erupted in flames, Capt. Paul Hoyle told the newspaper.
Pace was later found dead inside the home. He was believed to have a medical condition that prevented him from getting outside the home, according to the report.
His wife and son managed to escape the flames and were transported to local hospitals.
The wife suffered second-degree burns and smoke inhalation and was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital while the son suffered burns to his feet and was taken to Maryview Medical Center.
They are both expected to survive.
Crews responded to the fire at approximately 11:30 p.m. and found heavy flames coming from the home.
The blaze was under control in about 30 minutes and the home is considered a loss.
The fire is believed to be accidental and investigators said it could have been related to heating equipment or new electrical appliances.
