Operations & Training

Deadly VA Plane Crash Sparks 35-acre Brush Fire

Jan. 8, 2023

Suffolk Fire & Rescue officials said the small plane crashed in field and sparked a brush fire that took several hours to contain.

By Hannah Eason

Source The Virginian-Pilot

Suffolk firefighters spent several hours battling a brush fire that was sparked by a plane crash.

SUFFOLK, Va. — Two people were killed Saturday in a plane crash that caused a large brush fire in Suffolk, according to local and state officials.

The small passenger airplane was fully engulfed in flames after the crash, state police said, causing a large brush fire in the 3900 block of Carolina Road. Firefighters located the plane crash about a quarter mile away from Carolina Road.

The crash caused a large area of trees and brush to catch fire, threatening homes in the nearby area.

The “rapidly-progressing” fire was spreading across approximately 35 acres of open field and forest, according to a release from Suffolk Fire & Rescue. All residents were safely evacuated.

Police say the crash occurred at 12:16 p.m. Shortly after 3:45 p.m., the Suffolk fire department marked the fire as contained.

The 3900 block of Carolina Road will remain closed until further notice.

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