RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit has identified the victims of the two latest fatal house fires as:

1. 3206 5^th Avenue: Tanica Bryant, 45 years old
2. 3206 Delaware Avenue: Leroy Davis, 75 years old

At approximately 5:53 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, crews responded to 3206 5th Avenue for the report of a house fire. Once on scene, they saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. The occupants were already outside. Richmond Ambulance Authority crews transported Tanica Bryant and another adult female to a local hospital for treatment. Bryant succumbed to her injuries Tuesday, May 4, 2021. The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit is still working to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

At approximately 9:41 a.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021, crews responded to 3206 Delaware Avenue for the report of a house fire. Once on scene, they saw heavy smoke coming from the residence, which had evidence of what appeared to be hoarding inside. At 9:57 a.m., RFD crews found Leroy Davis on the second floor of the home and quickly brought him outside. RFD crews provided immediate care and Henrico County medics transported Davis to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Richmond Fire Investigations Unit determined the fire was accidental and started in a first-floor room on the left side of the residence.

There have been five fatal house fires in the City of Richmond so far this year. The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is starting the “Fire Safety Five to Stay Alive” campaign and would like to remind citizens of these best practices:

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.

RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond Fire Department’s Investigations Unit has determined this morning’s fatal house fire in the City’s Northside was accidental. They also determined the room of origin was on the first floor on the left side of the residence (see attached photo).

At approximately 9:41 a.m., crews responded to 3206 Delaware Avenue for the report of a house fire. Once on scene, they saw heavy smoke coming from the residence, which had cluttered conditions inside. At 9:45 a.m., a working fire was declared.

At 9:56 a.m., a mayday was declared for an injured firefighter. He was operating on the second floor and he started falling through a hole. He caught himself and other firefighters pulled him back up, then helped him outside the house. A Richmond Ambulance Authority crew transported him to a local hospital with a non-life threatening injury.

At 9:57 a.m., an adult male was found on the second floor of the home and quickly brought outside. RFD crews provided immediate care. Henrico medics ended up transporting him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

At 10:02 a.m., a second-alarm was struck. At 10:03 a.m., Henrico County was contacted for an additional medic unit. At 10:46 a.m., the fire was marked under control.

The incident marks the fourth fatal fire in the City of Richmond so far this year.

RICHMOND, VA — Richmond Fire Department’s K9 Erny has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  K9 Erny’s vest was sponsored by Patricia Giencke of Lexington, MA and embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love- Trained to Serve- Loyal Always”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified.  Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,101 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.  K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.  There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest.  Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.  For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.  Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.   

RICHMOND, VA — Richmond Fire Department K9 Erny will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Erny’s vest is sponsored by Patricia Giencke of Lexington, MA and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love- Trained to Serve- Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,101 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.