On June 27, Colonial Heights firefighters had already served in a long day. Temperatures in Virginia were sweltering as the mercury tipped 97 degrees. Adding humidity it felt well over a hundred.
After dealing with the normal flow of calls all day in the miserable heat conditions, a series of strong storms moved through the area. After that, around 2312 hours the tone sounded announcing a structure fire.
Firefighters shifted into high gear and responded to 1100 block of Jett Avenue to find a duplex with fire blowing out of one side. Early dispatches reported a possibly trapped victim.
Further information was relayed and fire officials were told a victim was indeed trapped inside and Colonial Heights Police had been unsuccessful at trying to locate the victim in the heavy smoke and flames.
Arriving crews went into rescue mode and made immediate entry.
Deputy Fire Marshal J.E. Boisseau said, "Firefighters removed a 40 year-old male who was unconscious. Immediate aid was rendered and the patient was transported to Southside Regional Hospital. The victim did not survive."
Responding to the blaze were: Colonial Heights Engine 1, Squirt 2, Squad 2, Battalion 4 and Battalion 5. On Mutual Aid, Chesterfield Truck 12 and Engine 12 assisted at the fire. Petersburg Fire Department provided coverage for Colonial Heights Station 1. EMS units responding included Medic 1, Medic 2, and Medic 4. The Training/Safety Officer and Deputy Fire Marshal were also on scene.
Boisseau said the cause is undetermined and pending further investigation. It was determined that the structure had properly installed smoke detectors.
