FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2021
July House Fire that Killed Two was Accidental
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -Charlottesville fire marshals determined the house fire on Cherry Ave in July started by accident.
On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, the Charlottesville Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of Cherry Ave for a house fire. Tragically, the fire claimed the lives of two Charlottesville residents and critically injured a third. After months of investigative activities, the fire marshals with the Charlottesville Fire Department determined the cause was accidental.
The fire started in an occupied bedroom. The storage of home oxygen cylinders in that bedroom contributed to the fire's intensity in that room and throughout the home.
The Charlottesville Fire Department encourages everyone to check their smoke alarms today. Testing smoke alarms monthly and replacing alarms that are more than ten years old significantly increase the chances of survival from a fire in the home. Additionally, every family should have a home escape plan with a specific meeting place outside. Practicing your family's plan will ensure that everyone evacuates your home and reunites at the designated meeting place during a fire emergency.
Media Contact
Joe Powers
Deputy Fire Chief
Charlottesville Fire Department
(434) 970-3520
powers@charlottesville.gov