KILMARNOCK, Va. — A fire in the Northern Neck town of Kilmarnock turned deadly after high winds quickly caused it to spread across multiple apartments and businesses.
NBC12 reports the fire broke out on Irvington Road early Tuesday morning in the heart of Kilmarnock, and it consumed seven apartments and five businesses.
"Just unbelievable," said Kilmarnock Fire Chief Roy Hall. "You don't expect that in a small town."
Hall said the fire began in a downstairs apartment unit and the high wind whipped the flames through the entire complex. The initial cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Firefighters have remained on scene throughout the day, working to put out hot spots.
Officials have not identified the person who died in the fire.
"It's a shock, it's gonna hurt," said resident Pete Kauneckas. "I'm not sure who the person who died [is], but it's a small town and everybody knows each other so it's gonna be sad. It is sad."