One person was seriously injured in a house fire Monday morning in Chesterfield County, and authorities were investigating the possibility that arson may have been involved.
It was one of several house fires reported across the Richmond area Monday.
Chesterfield Fire & EMS Lt. Jason Elmore said the victim was taken to VCU Medical Center for treatment of severe smoke inhalation and multiple arm lacerations after jumping out a rear window of the wood-frame, vinyl-siding ranch house. The victim was listed in stable condition and was likely to remain hospitalized for several days, Elmore said.
The fire was reported at 7:59 a.m. in the 12100 block of Southernbelle Court, a cul-de-sac that is a short distance southwest of Genito and Hull Street roads.
The first units to arrive found heavy smoke coming from the roof and heavy fire inside the structure, Elmore said. The fire was marked under control at 8:32 a.m.
The man who was injured was the only occupant home at the time of the fire, Elmore said.
Fire marshals remained at the house for an extended period after the fire.
"The investigators on the scene are looking into the possibility that this was a fire that was set," Elmore said Monday, adding that the investigation was continuing.
Later Monday, a house and brush fire started after a homeowner began preheating an oven while two pizza boxes were inside, fire officials said.
The blaze was discovered about 1:50 p.m. in the 7100 block of Chateaugay Lane, just northwest of Alberta Smith Elementary School.
Elmore said the homeowner started the oven, causing two pizza boxes inside to ignite, and that he then put the boxes on his back stoop.
High winds caused flames to spread into the backyard and ignite the back part of the house. Flames spread to the attic. Firefighters brought the fire under control. No one was injured.
Richmond
In the West End, Richmond Fire & EMS Lt. Shawn L. Jones said four ferrets and three cats were rescued from a two-story brick colonial home in the 3400 block of West Franklin Street, between North Nansemond Street and Roseneath Road. No one was injured in the fire.
The fire was reported at 9:29 a.m. when the homeowner returned to the house and found smoke coming from the front door. Jones said the fire was contained to the rear of the first floor and was declared under control at 10:10 a.m. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
jmacenka@timesdispatch.com
(804) 649-6804
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