PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A man has died from his injuries following a morning house fire, Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services said.
Deputy Fire Chief Justin Arnold said that emergency dispatch received a call around 5:30 a.m. reporting a strong smell of smoke on Gilmerton Avenue off Elm Avenue.
When crews got to the area to investigate they found a home with heavy fire showing in the 100 Block of Gilmerton Avenue. An immediate attack on the fire was initiated. During a search of the structure, a man was found and rescued by firefighters.
He was taken to Norfolk General Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.
Officials identified the man as 59-year-old Keith Ridley. His next of kin were notified.
Firefighters continued to battle the blaze until marked under control at 6:25 a.m.
No other injuries were reported.
Based on a preliminary investigation, the Portsmouth Fire Marshals Office said it appeared "smoking materials" came "in contact with combustible bed materials."
The fire remains under investigation.