RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit has identified the two victims of this morning’s fatal house fire in the city’s East End as:

1. Clara Humphrey, 84 years old
2. Ray Humphrey, 84 years old

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records confirm the married couple was deaf.

“I ask that you pray for the families, their loved ones, their community where they resided, and our city in that we will continue to embrace fire safety education, the importance of smoke alarms, and exercising proper safety protocols,” said Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services Chief Melvin Carter. “These deaths, like most fire deaths, were preventable.”

At approximately 7:59 a.m., crews responded to 1413 Vinton Street for the report of a house fire with individuals still possibly inside. Once on scene, they found smoke coming from the structure.

The first arriving crews performed a search and located Clara Humphrey. They removed her from the home and went back inside, as there were reports of two occupants. Crews then located Ray Humphrey and removed him from the home. CPR was performed on both victims, but neither survived. They were pronounced dead by Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) crews on scene.

RFD crews focused on fire attack had made entry and found fire in the living room. They quickly worked to put it out. The fire was marked under control at 8:13 a.m.

Investigators have determined the fire originated on a sofa in the living room and was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. They also discovered there were no working smoke alarms in the home.

This incident marks the 11th fire fatality in the City of Richmond so far this year.

The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services wants to remind residents of the “Fire Safety Five to Stay Alive”:

1. Get out and stay out of a house on fire. Make and practice a fire escape plan.
2. Clear the clutter, as it can become an obstacle to escape. Have a clear path to your exits.
3. Do not overload extension cords and power strips. Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
4. Have working smoke alarms and test them once a month. Replace your alarms after 10 years.
5. Always smoke outside. Never smoke in bed. Make sure cigarettes and ashes are put out completely.

The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services will also install smoke alarms for free. Residents can call our Fire Prevention Office at (804) 646-6640 or our Smoke Alarm Request Line at (804) 646-1526 to schedule an appointment. The Fire Prevention Office also has a limited supply of smoke alarms specifically for residents with hearing impairments.