61 Year Old Man Dies in Memphis Fire Caused by Space Heater

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The Memphis Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 422 N. Manassas Avenue, Friday, February 10, 2012 at 12:24 a.m. Upon arrival on the scene at 12:29 a.m., firefighters reported fire visible from the one story wood- frame residential structure. Rescue and Firefighting operations began immediately.

Twenty (20) pieces of Fire/Rescue/EMS equipment and approximately forty-one (41) emergency response personnel ultimately responded to the call. Battalion Chief D. Lock was the commanding officer of this incident. The fire was brought under control at 12:50 a.m. During interior search procedures, the body of an adult male was found in the hallway of the structure. The victim has been identified as sixty-one (61) year old, Walter Jones. The cause of death remains unknown pending the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s Report.

It has been determined that the residence did not have a working smoke detector. The structure sustained smoke, fire and water damage. Total damage is estimated at $30,000 structure and $4,000 contents. The origin and cause of the fire was determined to be a space heater positioned too close to combustible materials in the bedroom. The American Red Cross provided assistance for four (4) adults.

The Memphis Fire Department urges all citizens to maintain a working smoke detector in their place of residence. Any City of Memphis resident can apply for a free smoke detector by contacting the Fire Museum of Memphis at (901) 636-5650. Always have a plan of escape in case there is a fire. Also remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. For all other FIRE/EMS NON-EMERGENCY issues please dial (901) 458-8281.



Author:Memphis Fire Department Press Release