NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — One person died in one of two house fires that broke out overnight in Newport News, the Newport News Fire Department said.
Firefighters were called to a home in the 1200 block of Hampton Avenue around 4:18 a.m. Sunday. They arrived to find heavy smoke coming from a two-story house and had received reports that a person was trapped on the second floor.
Horatio Robinson told 13News Now that his wife woke him in a panic Sunday morning after smelling smoke. He lives just a few doors down from where a fire broke out.
“The flames probably jumped about 10 to 15 feet above the roof," Robinson said. “This is just a grim reminder of what can happen, you know. It’s one of those things that, you know, it opens your eyes.”
Two people were able to get out safely, while firefighters went inside the home and rescued a third. However, that third person was later pronounced dead as a result of the fire. The victim was identified as 64-year-old Kenneth Vines.
“It’s a shock," Robinson said. "My prayers and condolences go out to the family.”
Crews worked to tear down the home Sunday night. Crews on the scene told 13News Now that they'll return Monday morning to finish demolition.
Hours earlier, firefighters were called to another house fire in the 5900 block of Andrew Place. This happened at a one-story home around 1:16 a.m.
Two people got out safely from this fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire department said the Red Cross is assisting those displaced residents.
The cause of both fires remains under investigation by the Newport News Fire Marshal's Office.