Richmond, VA — A house fire on Sunday morning resulted in the death of a woman, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities.
At approximately 10:44 a.m. on December 15, 2024, fire crews were dispatched to the 400 block of Lafayette Avenue in Colonial Heights. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from the basement of the residence.
Colonial Heights Fire & EMS Battalion Chief Stephen Hoke described the conditions as challenging. “Fire crews arrived and found heavy smoke and fire presenting from the basement of a structure, and crews performed an initial attack, but were met with heavy content conditions,” Hoke said in a statement.
Despite the firefighters’ swift response and efforts to control the blaze, a woman was later discovered deceased inside the home. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Local fire officials, along with law enforcement, are working to determine whether the fire was accidental or if foul play was involved. As of now, no further details have been provided regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Firefighters continued to work at the scene for several hours following the discovery, and residents in the area were advised to avoid the immediate vicinity while crews conducted their operations.
The Colonial Heights Police Department, in collaboration with the Fire Marshal’s Office, is expected to release more information as the investigation progresses. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of residential fires, especially during the colder months when heating systems and electrical usage typically increase.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
