City of Richmond Fire and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched for a possible structure fire at 600 Chimborazo Blvd at 12:09 a.m. on Aug. 15.
Responding to the initial alarm was Q1, Q11, Q8, E5, Rescue 3 and BTTN 2. The fire was in Rescue 1's district but they were tied up on another call, when they cleared up, they relieved Rescue 3 and took part in the operation. At this time BTTN 1 arrived on scene and assumed command from BTTN 2 and BTTN 2 went back into service.
Arriving first on scene was Q1, second in crew was Q11. Firefighters reported fire showing on the A/D side of the house.
Firefighters found four people outside, one with a burn to the foot and they were advised one resident was still inside.
"Companies immediately went into rescue mode," Lt Keith Vida of Richmond Fire and Emergency Medical Services said. "Crews discovered the victim during the primary search and pulled him out."
Officials said the man was already deceased. Richmond Ambulance Authority, who was on scene checked to confirm.
During the rescue of the victim, a firefighter was injured.
This fire is a tragedy in many ways, Vida explained. "We had the fire knocked down in about 15 minutes. It ended up being a room and contents. The victim was discovered inside the home with a garden hose. He actually escaped the fire and had been outside when he went back in the fight the fire. This ending did not have to happen."
Two firefighters were also injured on the scene.
One of the firefighters was in the process of helping to remove the individual down the stairs when he fell, Vida explained. The firefighter suffered back and neck injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
The second firefighter received minor injuies and was treated on scene.
The occupants said they heard the smoke detector downstairs, but no detector upstairs.
"The department took this opportunity," said Lt. Vida, "to re-stress to the neighborhood about smoke alarms and fire safety. The department handed out info and stressed over and over to never go back in."
The cause is under investigation; and the Red Cross is assisting the family.
