Fatal House Fire Responded to by Memphis Fire Personnel

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The Memphis Fire Department responded to a report of a house on fire at 1315 James Street, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 10:46 p.m.  Upon arrival on the scene at 10:51 p.m., firefighters reported heavy smoke visible from the one story wood-frame residential structure.  Rescue and Firefighting operations began immediately.

Nineteen (19) pieces of Fire/Rescue/EMS equipment and approximately thirty-seven (37) emergency response personnel ultimately responded to the call.  Division Chief K. Reeves was the commanding officer of this incident.  The fire was brought under control at 11:12 p.m. and reported knocked down at 11:37 p.m.  There were no firefighter injuries as a result of this incident.  During interior search procedures fire crews found the body of an adult male in a rear bedroom.  The name and age of the victim has not been released pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.  The cause of death remains unknown pending the Shelby County Medical Examiner's report.  

It has been determined that the residence did have a working smoke detector at the time of this incident.  The structure sustained smoke, fire and water damage.  Total damage is estimated at $30,000 building and $5,000 contents.  The origin and cause of this fire is inconclusive at this time.  This fire remains under investigation.  The American Red Cross provided assistance for four (4) adults and one (1) child.  

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) 320-5650.  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